IBF light welterweight champion Subriel Matias is set to defend his title on a DAZN show in Puerto Rico against undefeated fighter Liam Paro, who is promoted by Eddie Hearn. The fight is expected to take place in June or July, with various venues being considered. Matias, who is no longer with Premier Boxing Champions, may have signed a multi-fight deal with Hearn’s Matchroom. The bout between Matias and Paro is highly likely to happen, according to Matias’ promoter, Juan Orengo.
Matias is a highly avoided fighter in the division, which would make him a valuable addition to Hearn’s Matchroom stable. However, it may be challenging for Hearn to find opponents willing to face Matias. Fighters like Ryan Garcia, Devin Haney, and Teofimo Lopez cannot be forced into the ring if they are not interested in the fight.
Matias, known for his powerful knockout abilities, had hoped to secure fights against Teofimo Lopez and Devin Haney, but neither showed any interest in facing him. This lack of interest could indicate that they were not confident in their chances of winning, especially after witnessing Matias’ dominant victory over the highly ranked Shohjahon Ergashev last November.
Matias is determined to gain recognition and compete against the top fighters in the 140-lb division. However, it seems that these top fighters will continue to avoid him. Matias expressed that he is no longer affiliated with PBC and that his next fight will not be with them. He remains confident in his abilities and believes he will surpass his upcoming opponent, Paro.
Matias subtly mentioned the importance of an exciting fight for the fans, implying that some fighters, like Devin Haney, may prioritize defensive tactics over entertaining the audience. This comment may have been a reference to Haney’s previous fight against Regis Prograis, where he was criticized for running around the ring and not engaging in a thrilling battle.
Overall, Matias’ upcoming fight against Paro has generated anticipation among fans, who are eager to see if Paro can match Matias’ skill and courage in the ring.