British Super-Featherweight Champion Royston Barney-Smith Seeks World Title After Dublin Victory
Royston Barney-Smith defended his British super-featherweight title in Dublin, defeating Reece Bellotti and demanding a shot at the IBO world crown.
In a Saturday night bout at Dublin's 3Arena, British and Commonwealth super-featherweight champion Royston Barney-Smith retained his title by outpointing Reece Bellotti, securing a comfortable decision after ten rounds. The southpaw, who hails from Southampton, also captured the IBO inter-continental title, marking his sixth belt in the past ten months. Speaking to the media, Barney-Smith expressed a desire to pursue a world championship, specifically targeting the full IBO 130-pound title held by Irish boxer Jono Carroll.
He indicated flexibility on venue, mentioning Dublin, London's O2 Arena, or Bournemouth as possible locations. The fighter highlighted his goal of breaking records and joining the sport's elite, noting his high rankings across major sanctioning bodies. His victory came on the undercard of Mark Chamberlain's win over Pierce O'Leary, adding further exposure to the event.
Why it matters
Barney-Smith's win and title challenge could reshape the super-featherweight landscape and set up a high-profile clash for the IBO world belt.
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