Five months after an unforgettable night in New York, the newly-minted junior welterweight champion will make his first title defense against mandatory challenger and former titlist Alberto Puello at Sheffield's Utilita Arena.

Smith (19-0, 14 KOs) returns to familiar surroundings, having scored a fifth-round stoppage of longtime contender Jose Zepeda in March 2024, this time with newfound leverage in a division where his possibilities seem endless.

"New York was a trip of a lifetime, but now it's about bringing big world title fights to Sheffield and it's great to start my reign as champion back at the Utilita Arena," Smith said in a press release. "It's straight into a mandatory defence so you expect world class opponents, no denying Puello's a top boxer, two-time champion for a reason.

"But I went to New York as the away fighter, with all the outside-the-ring stuff going on, and went toe-to-toe with the supposed bogeyman who had just beaten Puello - but that's what we're about in Sheffield: full of heart and nuts of steel."

Puello (24-1, 10 KOs) was promised the next title shot after narrowly losing a 12-round majority decision against Subriel Matias as part of The Ring III card in July, a fight many felt he did enough to retain his title in.

He watched their five-round firefight and told The Ring's Anson Wainwright that Matias was easy to hit while praising Smith's strategy, keeping it out of the judges' hands. He shared the belief their July duel weakened Matias, making him less intense against the Brit and now the 31-year-old southpaw can spoil his homecoming party.

"I'm excited to be fighting for my title again on June 6, looking forward to becoming a three-time world champion and making history in the United Kingdom in-front of its wonderful fan base. Smith is a good boxer, I'm excited to share the ring with him and give the fnas a great fight," Puello said in the aforementioned release.

Smith's fights over the last three years have been a mixture of explosive punch placement and arduous, slow-burning encounters.

Fans will more fondly remember his wins over Zepeda, Walid Ouizza and Matias, rather than 12-round battles with Billy Allington and last year's stay-busy assignment against Mathieu Germain.

"Puello's an awkward southpaw, but it's well known I love that style and it'll be a big performance from me in my homecoming. I've had many special nights already at the Utilita Arena, the atmosphere will be rocking and I can't wait to see everyone there."

His promoter, Matchroom chief Eddie Hearn, echoed the sentiment.

"This is another mega fight coming to British shores, another one for fight fans to enjoy on the global home of boxing, DAZN. Dalton's win in Brooklyn will live long in the memory, an incredible night, now he has the chance to cement his legacy and forge his name into folklore. Puello, a formidable former two-time world champion in his own right, will be in for one tough night with an electric atmosphere awaiting him in Sheffield."