Boxing fans are in for a treat this Saturday, April 19, as the Canon Medical Arena (also referred to as Park Community Arena) in Sheffield hosts the super lightweight clash between unbeaten hometown hero Dalton “Thunder” Smith (17-0, 13 KOs) and Canada’s Mathieu “G-Time” Germain (26-2-1, 11 KOs).
Before the main card streams live on DAZN worldwide, fans can catch the action-packed “Before the Bell” prelims, available as a free livestream, showcasing rising talents and setting the stage for an electrifying night of boxing.
The “Before the Bell” prelims, kicking off the evening’s festivities, will feature two promising bouts that promise to deliver early fireworks. These fights, free to stream via DAZN’s platforms, highlight young prospects from the Matchroom boxing stable looking to make a name in the boxing world.
Joe Howarth vs. Mario Valenzuela Portillo: Wigan’s Joe Howarth, an up-and-coming lightweight, faces Mexico’s Mario Valenzuela Portillo in a six-round contest. Howarth, eager to build on his early career momentum, will look to impress in front of a supportive UK crowd. Portillo, known for his durability, aims to play spoiler in this international showdown.
Leli Buttigieg vs. Grant Dennis: Newham’s middleweight prospect Leli Buttigieg takes on Chatham’s Grant Dennis in another six-round battle. Buttigieg, a rising star with flair and ambition, seeks to continue his ascent, while Dennis, a seasoned operator, will test the youngster’s mettle. This matchup promises to be a gritty affair, with both fighters looking to steal the spotlight.
The prelims are scheduled to begin ahead of the main card, which starts at 2:00 PM ET / 11:00 AM PT (7:00 PM BST). Fans can access the free livestream through DAZN’s platforms, including their website, mobile app, and connected devices, ensuring global reach for these exciting opening bouts.
While the prelims set the tone, the main event pits Dalton Smith, the WBC Silver Super Lightweight champion and No. 1-ranked WBC contender, against Mathieu Germain in a 12-round eliminator with major stakes. Smith, a Sheffield native, is on the cusp of a world title shot against WBC champion Alberto Puello, and a victory here could pave the way for a championship clash later this year. With a record of 17-0, including 13 knockouts, Smith is a heavy favorite, priced at -1600 by DraftKings Sportsbook.
Germain, a battle-tested 35-year-old from Montreal, is no pushover. Boasting an eight-fight win streak, including two stoppages in his last three bouts, Germain (ranked No. 11 by the IBF) is confident in his ability to upset the odds (+850 underdog). This marks his first professional fight outside Canada, adding an extra layer of intrigue as he looks to derail Smith’s world title aspirations.
Matchroom boxing Promoter Eddie Hearn has billed this as Smith’s “final hurdle” before a shot at Puello, emphasizing the significance of the matchup. “Germain will be tougher. He’s a much better fighter, top 15 in the world,” Hearn said, praising Smith’s preparation and maturity. Smith himself remains focused, stating, “If Mathieu Germain thinks I’m overlooking him, he’s wrong. He’s my world title fight.”
Beyond the prelims, the main card features a robust undercard, including former IBF featherweight champion Josh Warrington (31-4-1, 8 KOs) against India’s Asad Asif Khan (19-6-1, 5 KOs) in a 10-round super featherweight bout. Other notable fights include Ryan Kelly vs. Caoimhin Agyarko for the WBA Continental Super Welterweight title, Josh Padley vs. Marco Cvetanovic for the WBA International Lightweight title, and Giorgio Visioli vs. Kane Baker in a super featherweight clash.
The “Before the Bell” prelims are free to stream on DAZN’s YouTube channel, requiring no subscription for access. The main card, including Smith vs. Germain, begins at 2:00 PM ET / 11:00 AM PT (7:00 PM BST) and is available exclusively on DAZN in over 200 countries. Fans can subscribe to DAZN or check local listings for access details. The Smith vs. Germain bout is expected to start around 4:47 PM ET / 1:47 PM PT.
