\n<\/p>\n
He refused to get carried away with the prospect of walking out at Hillsborough, but Matchroom chief executive Frank Smith believes the dream could soon become reality.<\/p>\n
“He’s not looking past this. It’s a proper fight,” he said. “But after this unification fights are there and the big night in Hillsborough is there.”<\/p>\n
Puello, 32, held the WBA title from 2022 to 2023 before becoming WBC champion in 2024. He lost that belt to Matias in July 2025, the only defeat on his 26-fight professional record.<\/p>\n
“He wants to do to me what I did to Matias but believe me, that’s not going to happen,” Smith said. “Me fighting in my home town with the support behind me as a world champion, it gives me that extra fire.”<\/p>\n
Speaking through a translator, the confident Dominican made it clear he intends to spoil Smith’s homecoming.<\/p>\n
“I don’t see many weaknesses in him but it will be hugely satisfying to come here to his hometown to rip his belt,” he said.<\/p>\n
“It will be really satisfying for me and a humiliation for him.”<\/p>\n
An otherwise low-key media-only event ended with the two fighters shaking hands.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n