Junaid Bostan inspired by Dalton Smith’s world title rise

The two have had varying fortunes in the ring in recent times.

Sheffield's Smith captured the WBC World Super Lightweight title in America by beating Subriel Matias in January and defends it against Alberto Puello at Sheffield Arena on June 6.

His Steel City gym buddy Bostan lost his unbeaten record and failed to seize the English Super Welterweight belt in October.

The Eastwood fighter starts his career rebuild on May 2 with an eight-round Matchroom bout in Wolverhampton against an unnamed opponent, possibly an Italian with a winning record.

Junaid (24) was in New York to watch Dalton upset the odds and become the latest South Yorkshire champion.

"It was very inspiring," he said. "Dalton is a big brother to me.

"I have been with him for 12 years now and seeing him achieve his childhood dream and being alongside him thick and thin, well, first and foremost it brings joy to see your brother do his thing and secondly it shows what I can be.

"When I look at the gym wall now, there is a picture of me when I was finishing school alongside Dalton and Sunny (Edwards); they became world champions – I am the only one left.

"It is for me to fulfil that promise."

Watching Smith reach the pinnacle left Bostan almost gasping for breath.

"Words cannot describe how it felt, a complete state of happiness, I felt I could breathe again!

"I didn't sleep that night as I felt like I was the one who had had a fight. I had been shouting and screaming away, it was such a special night.

"I was probably the happiest person in the arena themselves apart from the Smiths.

"We all knew the trials and tribulations it had taken to get there."

Junaid says he is thankful Eddie Hearn and his team have stayed loyal to him after a troubled 2025.

"I am very grateful to them, they have supported me throughout, throwing dates at me and giving me a plan, it is great to have them there. It is all a gradual learning process,” he added.