WBC Silver Champion Selects WBC Boxing Grand Prix Participant as Sparring Partner for Upcoming World Title Fight

WBC Silver Super Lightweight Champion, Dalton “The Thunder” Smith, has selected rising Mexican talent Aaron Barajas, standout of the WBC Boxing Grand Prix, as his official sparring partner in preparation for his upcoming World title bout.

Meeting in Mexico City and recognition of Mexican talent

During his recent visit to Mexico City to attend the traditional “Martes a Café” press conference hosted by the World Boxing Council (WBC), Dalton Smith (undefeated record: 18-0, 13 KOs) met Aaron Barajas (8-1, 2 KOs), a talented and promising young Mexican professional, who recently competed in the WBC Boxing Grand Prix in Saudi Arabia.

Although Barajas was eliminated in the second stage of the tournament—after a close fight against fellow countryman Misael Cabrera (17-2-1, 11 KOs)—his impressive performance caught the attention of the British champion.

Dalton Smith extends training camp invitation

At the press conference, Smith and his team watched highlights of Barajas’ fights and, very impressed by his skills, made a public offer: to join Dalton Smith’s training camp as his official sparring partner for his next bout, scheduled for November 22 in Saudi Arabia against Subriel Matías, current unified WBC Super Lightweight Champion.

“Train hard, represent well. This tournament is a big opportunity. I’ve been watching the fights and the progress of the young boxers, and I’m impressed,” said Smith about the Grand Prix.

WBC Boxing Grand Prix is already opening international doors

This invitation highlights the innovative success of the WBC Boxing Grand Prix, a global tournament created to promote and showcase young boxing talent. WBC President Mauricio Sulaimán emphasized that the project is already delivering results:

“We’ve seen great things multiply. Some participants were welcomed back home like world champions. The Grand Prix is here to stay,” Sulaimán said.

Third stage of the WBC Boxing Grand Prix: August 13 – Live on DAZN

The third stage of the WBC Boxing Grand Prix 2025 will take place on August 13 in Saudi Arabia, and fans around the world can watch it live and exclusively on http://DAZN.com/wbc, the official broadcast platform of the tournament.