#3 Subriel Matias (21-2, 21 KOs) faces #4 Gabriel Valenzuela (30-3, 17 KOs) in a 12-round IBF gentle welterweight title eliminator subsequent month on March 1st in Fajardo, Puerto Rico. The struggle will resolve the subsequent necessary for IBF 140-lb champion Richardson Hitchins. The occasion shall be proven reside on DAZN.
Gabriel Valenzuela, 30, isn’t well-known to followers, as he’s fought most of his 10-year skilled profession in his native Mexico. Lately, he’s traveled for fights, dropping to Montana Love by a 12-round unanimous on Could seventh, 2022, in Las Vegas, defeating Steve Spark and Yves Ulysse Jr.
Valenzuela’s loss to Love is a sign of how restricted he’s as a fighter as a result of this man shouldn’t be a high 10-level fighter. If Gabriel hasn’t made enhancements since that defeat, he’s not going to final lengthy in opposition to Matias.
The previous IBF champion Matias misplaced his belt a 12 months in the past to Liam Paro by a 12-round unanimous choice in a struggle that resembled a road brawl because of the Aussie’s roughhouse techniques.
Matias may have simply gained that struggle if the referee had been on his job, policing Paro’s shoving and rabbit punching. Nonetheless, Paro was a foul fashion match-up, and Matias wanted to adapt when it turned clear that the referee was taking a laissez-faire, hands-off strategy to controlling the fouling.
“Preventing in my hometown, in entrance of my folks, is an honor and an additional motivation,” mentioned Subriel Matias. “I do know Valenzuela will come ready, however I’m able to show why I deserve one other shot on the title. On March 1st, Fajardo will witness an excellent battle.”
“This struggle goes to be a traditional,” mentioned Gabriel Valenzuela. “I’m proud to signify my nation as I struggle to convey one other world title again dwelling to Mexico.”
Matias was not too long ago in negotiations with WBO gentle welterweight champion Teofimo Lopez, however the struggle did not occur after the High Rank-promoted Teo determined the cash wasn’t ok and he didn’t wish to struggle on the West Coast.
Boxing followers noticed it for example of Lopez being afraid of dropping to Matias, so he cooked up a few excuses to inform the followers.
Final Up to date on 02/05/2025
