Dalton Smith calls for lifetime doping bans ahead of Alberto Puello showdown

Dalton Smith has called for lifetime doping bans in boxing as he prepares to make his first world title defense against Alberto Puello this Saturday. Puello previously served a six-month suspension after testing positive for clomiphene in April 2023. Smith expressed frustration over performance-enhancing drugs in the sport, stating that punishments need to be harsher for fighters who fail drug tests.

Smith won his belt in January after stopping Subriel Matias in the fifth round at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Despite facing another opponent with a past failed drug test, Smith rejected vacating his title. He and promoter Eddie Hearn are targeting a future fight at Sheffield Wednesday's Hillsborough Stadium if he wins on Saturday.