Subriel Matias vs. Liam Paro: The Upcoming Showdown

Subriel Matias’s forthcoming world title defense may be arranged through a new promotional business.

Matias will likely defend his IBF junior welterweight championship against the undefeated Liam Paro later this year. According to the Puerto Rican publication El Nuevo Dia, the battle between Matias and Paro will likely occur in June or July.

The fight could occur in Matias’ hometown of Fajardo, Puerto Rico, where he lives. Matias holds the No. 3 spot in The Ring’s rankings at 140 pounds. In his most recent fight on November 25, 31-year-old Matias defeated Shohjahon Ergashev in an intense bout that officially concluded a few seconds into the sixth round.

This victory marked the end of Matias’ tenure with Premier Boxing Champions (PBC). That was following his previous triumph against Jeremias Ponce on February 25 of the previous year, where he claimed the vacant IBF world title by stopping Ponce after the fifth round.

While Matias has expressed openness to continue working with PBC, his current priority is preparing for his title defense against Paro with a dedicated training camp.

“I’m going into (training camp) with more confidence,” Matias said on Sunday before boarding a plane to Mexico City, where he’ll set up his training camp in nearby Jiquipilco. “We are no longer with PBC, (as) the matter is more serious. The doors are open, but our next fight will not be with them.

“(Paro) is a warrior and he has his skill set. He can stand and exchange. He is a southpaw and is strong. We have to see if he has the same (guts) as me. I like that, and that is what the fan likes to see, because no one wants to see two fighters running around the ring.”