Subriel Matias Eyes World Championship Return with IBF Title Eliminator
After experiencing a surprising setback last June, Subriel Matias is looking to return to the world championship level in the super-lightweight division. Once known for his brutal knockout power, Matias held the IBF super-lightweight title in a reign that was punctuated by explosive finishes. However, his title reign came to an unexpected end when Liam Paro traveled to Puerto Rico and handed Matias his first defeat in several years, shocking many by dethroning the seemingly invincible fighter.
Now, the 31-year-old Matias, with a professional record of 21-2, is ready to bounce back stronger than ever. The Puerto Rican powerhouse, known for his immense knockout power (21 KOs), is set to face Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela in a crucial eliminator for the right to challenge for the IBF super-lightweight title once again.
Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela: A Rising Threat
Matias’s path back to the title is anything but easy. His next opponent, Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela, has been on a strong winning streak, with an impressive 5-fight streak that has propelled him into the spotlight. Valenzuela, with a professional record of 30-3-1, is known for his durability and resilience. While he has only 17 knockouts, his ability to go the distance with top fighters makes him a dangerous and unpredictable opponent.
Valenzuela’s most recent victories include a controversial decision over Steve Spark in Mexico, which added to his growing reputation. He also scored a blistering one-round knockout of Yves Ulysse Jr. on foreign soil. His ability to pull off unexpected results has made him a serious contender in the super-lightweight division. In 2022, Valenzuela fought Montana Love in a high-paced affair, where Love claimed the decision after a competitive fight. The previous year, he outpointed Robbie Davies Jr. in the UK, showcasing his international experience.
Valenzuela’s aggressive style, combined with his strong fundamentals, makes him a dangerous opponent for any fighter. Should he manage to defeat Matias, the next challenge will be overcoming Richardson Hitchins, the current IBF champion. Hitchins, with his excellent jab and slick boxing skills, will pose an entirely different set of problems for Valenzuela to solve.
Subriel Matias: The Comeback Kid
For Matias, the road to redemption is clear. After his shocking loss to Paro, Matias took the opportunity to regroup and refocus. In his most recent bout in November, he proved he still has the same ferocious power that made him a feared champion, stopping Roberto Ramirez in the second round. This victory was a statement—Matias is back and hungrier than ever to recapture the IBF super-lightweight crown.
Originally, Matias was set to face off against Teofimo Lopez, who holds the WBO super-lightweight title, but the ongoing turmoil with his promoter, Top Rank, has left Lopez’s future uncertain. As a result, Matias’s focus has shifted entirely to his upcoming fight with Valenzuela. A win will put him in prime position for a title shot against the winner of Hitchins versus Paro.
A Clash of Styles: Matias vs. Hitchins
If Matias manages to get past Valenzuela, a potential showdown with Richardson Hitchins promises to be an exciting clash of contrasting styles. Matias is known for his heavy-handed approach, always looking to deliver a knockout punch. In contrast, Hitchins is a slick boxer, using movement and a sharp jab to control the pace of the fight. This stylistic difference will make for a thrilling battle, with Matias’s aggressive power matching up against Hitchins’s technical skill.
Looking Ahead
The IBF super-lightweight title eliminator between Subriel Matias and Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela is set to be a thrilling contest that will determine who will challenge for the title next. With Matias on a mission to reclaim his former glory and Valenzuela looking to upset the odds, fans can expect an action-packed bout that could reshape the future of the super-lightweight division.
Whoever emerges victorious will have the chance to challenge for the world title, and the fight between Matias and Hitchins is already shaping up to be one of the most intriguing matchups in recent boxing history.
