The unbeaten British star successfully defended his WBC junior welterweight title on Saturday night, edging former two-time world champion Alberto Puello by split decision in front of a passionate hometown crowd at Sheffield's Utilita Arena.

The official scores were 115-113 twice for Smith, while the third judge scored it 116-112 for Puello. It was close, competitive and, at times, extremely difficult to separate the two fighters, but Smith found a way to win.

In January, Smith traveled to Brooklyn and shocked the boxing world by knocking out dangerous puncher Subriel Matias in the fifth round to capture the WBC championship. Against Puello, he faced an entirely different challenge.

The Dominican southpaw was slick, technically sound and difficult to hit cleanly. He wasn't going to stand in front of Smith and exchange punches the way Matias had. Instead, Puello used his movement, counterpunching and straight left hand to make the champion work for everything.

There were several rounds where Smith appeared to establish control, only for Puello to respond and swing the momentum back in his direction. Smith suffered a cut near his right eye in the 10th but continued to press forward and remained composed through the championship rounds.

When the final bell sounded, there was no guarantee his hand would be raised. Two judges believed he had done enough, and that was all that mattered.

Smith improved to 20-0 with 14 knockouts, and his victories over Matias and Puello have established him as one of the leading fighters in a very competitive division. But there is a difference between winning a world championship and becoming a major attraction. Smith has the opportunity to accomplish both.

The most intriguing possibility is a unification showdown with Shakur Stevenson, who holds the WBO and Ring junior welterweight titles and is widely regarded as one of the most technically gifted fighters in boxing.

For Smith, a fight with Stevenson would represent the biggest fight of his career. It would also represent an enormous challenge.

Stevenson is faster, exceptionally difficult to hit and possesses the defensive ability to frustrate even the most accomplished opponents. Smith showed against Puello that he can handle a technically skilled southpaw, but Stevenson operates at another level.

That doesn't mean Smith should avoid him — quite the opposite. At 29, unbeaten and holding a world championship, Smith has reached the point where taking calculated risks is necessary if he wants to become one of boxing's biggest names. A victory over Stevenson would transform his career overnight and make him a pound-for-pound elite fighter.

Even a competitive performance would demonstrate that he belongs among the very best in the sport. Should the fight get made, Stevenson would be a tremendous favorite.

Another attractive possibility is WBA champion Gary Antuanne Russell, who brings speed, aggression and a dangerous offensive arsenal. He doesn't possess Stevenson's combination of speed, defensive ability and technical skills. And he’s also more willing to stand and trade, potentially creating the type of contest that would suit Smith's strengths. It would be a legitimate unification fight and another way for Smith to establish himself as one of the division's best.

Then there is a big domestic showdown with Adam Azim.

The unbeaten British contender has been linked to Smith for years, with both fighters developing into prominent names on the domestic scene. There is a natural rivalry, a compelling storyline and considerable commercial appeal. It is the type of matchup that could generate enormous interest in Britain, particularly if staged at Sheffield Wednesday's Hillsborough Stadium.

That venue has become an important part of Smith's ambitions. Promoter Eddie Hearn has already discussed the possibility of staging a major fight at the home of Smith's beloved football club.

For a fighter who grew up supporting Sheffield Wednesday, headlining Hillsborough would be a dream come true. But there is an important distinction between staging a stadium event and finding the right opponent to justify one.

There is also the possibility of a rematch with Puello, particularly given how closely contested their first encounter was. However, unless the WBC orders another meeting, there is little reason to make that the immediate priority — and the fight is very dangerous with a small financial upside.

Smith has already beaten Puello and Matias in consecutive world title fights. He doesn't need to keep proving that he belongs at this level. He needs to capitalize on the position he has worked so hard to reach.

That means pursuing unifications, major events and opponents who can elevate his standing beyond the British boxing market.

Smith isn't the loudest personality in the sport. He doesn't rely on outrageous predictions or manufactured rivalries to generate attention.

He lets his performances speak for him. So far, they have spoken loudly enough.