That consequence complicates what Smith’s promoter Eddie Hearn had been lining up subsequent. A unification combat with IBF champion Richardson Hitchins had been mentioned, as had a home protection towards Adam Azim within the UK. Each stay enticing choices, however the WBC ruling understands them as secondary until an exemption is secured.
Stylistically, Puello presents a really completely different problem than Matias. The place Matias stood his floor and allowed exchanges to develop, Puello is unlikely to cooperate. He’s a southpaw who prefers house, motion, and disruption. He circles, adjustments path, and appears to interrupt rhythm somewhat than get caught in extended exchanges.
Puello is comfy slowing fights down and forcing opponents to reset repeatedly. When stress closes in, he clinches. When exchanges threaten to construct, he offers floor. The intent is management somewhat than confrontation, typically leaving opponents caught combating at a tempo they do seen match.
That strategy places a unique form of demand on Smith. Aggression alone is not going to be sufficient. He’ll want persistence, self-discipline, and constant ring positioning to chop off exits somewhat than chase them. Smith has proven adaptability and sharp timing, and he’s able to punishing errors if Puello turns into predictable.
Nonetheless, that is the form of necessary most champions would somewhat keep away from. It’s technical. It’s awkward. It provides little spectacle and few straightforward moments. If it comes subsequent, it is going to take a look at Smith’s composure and problem-solving greater than his energy, and which may be the purpose of the combat.
