In the world of boxing, the pursuit of glory often comes at a price, and for British fans eager to watch Dalton Smith challenge for a world title, that price has sparked significant controversy. Smith, a rising star from Sheffield, is set to face WBC super lightweight champion Subriel Matias in the early hours of Sunday morning at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. However, the cost to witness this potential historic moment has left many fans fuming.
The fight, which will be streamed on PPV.com, is priced at £41.95 in the UK and $59.99 in the US. This is more than double the cost of recent high-profile fights, such as Moses Itauma’s knockout victory over Dillian Whyte in August, which was priced at £19.99, and the first bout between Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn in April, which cost £19.95. Even the rematch between Eubank Jr and Benn only set supporters back £24.99.
The high cost of the fight has not gone down well among fans on social media. One fan commented, “£42! Nah you’re alright pal. I think I’ll have an early night and catch the highlights.” Another wrote, “Sadly, at this price it’s a definite no from me.” A third fan said, “£41.95. Games gone. They’ll be lucky to do 50 buys in the UK.”
The fight has also been marred by controversy after Matias tested positive for the banned substance Ostarine on November 9. However, the fight has been permitted to proceed by both the WBC and the New York State Athletic Commission, with the levels of Ostarine deemed below the threshold used in the state.
“The New York State Athletic Commission is aware that Mr Matias, who is currently licensed, has received an adverse analytic finding from VADA concerning an out of competition test,” the commission told BBC Sport. “The reported concentration was below the applicable threshold used by multiple jurisdictions, including Nevada, California, and New York.”
Matias, 33, won the title with a majority decision success over Alberto Puello in July, while Smith defended his WBC Silver belt last time out with a unanimous decision victory over Mathieu Germain. Despite the controversy and the high cost, the fight is set to be a thrilling contest between two talented boxers.
For British fans, the cost to witness Smith’s world title bid is a steep one. But for those willing to pay, the potential of seeing a new British world champion could be a price worth paying.
Team_TBE Boxing