Matchroom Boxing’s latest superstar signing Subriel Matias will make his debut for Eddie Hearn and his promotional behemoth in a huge homecoming fight against Liam Paro on June 15.
The exciting Matias (20-1 with all 20 wins inside distance) will put his IBF super-lightweight world title on the line against unbeaten Aussie Paro (24-0 with 15 KOs) in Manati, Puerto Rico (live worldwide on DAZN).
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Matias claimed the vacant IBF belt last February, forcing Jeremias Ponce to retire after five rounds of their clash in Minnesota, and successfully defended his title against mandatory challenger Shohjahon Ergashev in November, forcing another retirement, this time after six rounds in Las Vegas. That continued his incredible record of finishing all of his victories inside the distance.
The 31-year-old banger, who signed for Matchroom in February, will now fight on home soil for the first time since November 2019. He’s keen to impress in front of his home fans, and move a step closer to potential unification battles in the near future.
Matias on homecoming dream
“I am super excited to be able to be in front of my people defending the title that we had such a hard time getting,” he said.
“The mentality will always be the same and in front of my people I don’t even have to say it, they know me. The Pride of Maternillo.”
Paro was at his spiteful best in his last outing, flooring Montana Love twice in a six-round bludgeoning in San Francisco in December. The unbeaten southpaw was previously ruled out of a first world title fight with Regis Prograis through injury, but now lands the chance to rip the title from one of the most feared champions in the sport, and Paro is champing at the bit for his opportunity.
Paro ready for ‘the boogeyman’
“I’ve waited my whole life for this opportunity”, he said.
“Fighter’s fight and I can’t wait to fight the boogeyman in his backyard.”
June 15 represents Matchroom’s first event in Puerto Rico, and it’s the first fight with Matías after he signed a co-promotional deal with Matchroom and Fresh Productions.
“I am so excited to be bringing Subriel back home for his second World title defense,” said Hearn. “It’s an honour for Matchroom to be heading to Puerto Rico for the first time and there’s no doubt that Subriel and Liam will produce an epic battle to mark the occasion.”
