The 32-year-old Dominican Republic-born fighter, No. 3 in The Ring's junior welterweight ratings, faces Dalton Smith on Saturday.

Smith (19-0, 14 KOs) will make the first defense of his crown on home soil at Sheffield's Utilita Arena, headlining a Matchroom Boxing card DAZN will stream exclusively from 7pm BST/2pm ET.

"It's a great opportunity, and it's what I've been waiting for all this time," Puello (25-1, 11 KOs) told The Ring. "I've worked hard to come back with my title."

The pair were scheduled to meet on June 6, before the defending champion was sidelined with an elbow injury.

Puello refused to be idle in the meantime, accepting a hometown stay-busy fight against Miguel Angel Bolano. He scored a fourth-round stoppage of the unheralded Colombian on July 18 in Santo Domingo.

"I feel much better now after the tune-up fight, so won't be coming into this with ring rust."

Before that stoppage, Puello hadn't boxed since his contentious split decision defeat by Subriel Matias 12 months earlier. Having trained in Las Vegas under Ismael Salas' tutelage, the 34-year-old challenger has been in several close battles and isn't a noted puncher but remains unbothered about going into his opponent's hometown.

"I'm not worried; I'm a professional and will fight anywhere. I believe I can win this fight by any means necessary," he said.

Puello continues to take credit with an assist for Smith beating his former foe back in January.

"It seemed Smith took advantage of me leaving Subriel hurt and managed to capitalize, securing the win," he added.

Puello's promoter Belgica Pena acknowledges the opportunity for her fighter but believes he can produce an upset.

"It's a great fight, and I believe Puello has all the qualities needed to come away victorious," she said.

Smith, The Ring's No. 1-rated junior welterweight, enjoyed a productive amateur career before turning pro in May 2019. From there, he steadily worked his way up the traditional route winning a series of regional, domestic and later European titles before heading towards the world scene.

The 29-year-old titlist has wins over former world title challenger Jose Zepeda (KO5), fringe contender Mathieu Germain (UD12) and impressively stopped Matias in Brooklyn, New York on January 10 to claim WBC gold.