World champion predicts bright future for Rotherham boxer despite setbacks

Junaid Bostan is destined to win titles, according to one of his biggest admirers, world champion Dalton Smith.

The Rotherham super welterweight drew and lost against Bilal Fawaz in his two outings of 2025 and has taken part in only one eight-rounder since.

But his talent and confidence have not diminished in recent times, says Smith, who relishes the idea of Bostan joining him at the top table of world boxing.

Smith, who defends his WBC super lightweight title at Sheffield Arena on October 24, insists his Steel City Gym partner will explode back on the scene.

"He is looking the best I have seen him in a long time - probably the best I have ever seen him," he told The Star.

"He had a great performance in his last fight and is eager to get that ball rolling and get some titles."

It is not known if Bostan will be on Smith's undercard at Sheffield Arena.

Generally, it can be a complicated business for a boxer trying to earn a slot on the top domestic shows.

"It's boxing: we all went to get out as fast possible but it is hard to get the dates you want," said Smith.

"Sometimes it is a frustrating waiting game. But Junaid is eager to kick on and chase those titles."

Dalton believes defeat to Fawaz won't do Bostan any harm in the long run.

"It is good to have something between your teeth - when a man has beaten you, you want to get that revenge.

"Junaid knows he has a lot more to show, in terms of coming into his prime. Of course he wants that scalp (a Fawaz rematch) but it's not the only fight for him. I'm sure he'd want revenge.

"His confidence is fine. He must be one of the most confident kids going.

"Boxing means there has to be a winner and a loser and occasionally you will end up coming up short. But it hasn't really affected him."

Smith is unbeaten in the professional game but had to overcome adversity in the amateurs.

"Again, it is boxing - you have to take your wins and your losses."

Having said that, he pointed out: "If you lose in boxing you have to wait months to put it right, in football you only have to wait a couple of days."

Bostan, 11-1-1, originally from Eastwood, was victorious on a Matchroom card in Wolverhampton in May, winning every round.