Subriel Matias has been right here earlier than.
The ex-titleholder standing is a brand new twist to an in any other case acquainted story for the lights out Boricua knockout artist. An upset defeat to Liam Paro on June 15 ruined a Puerto Rico homecoming and ended his IBF 140-pound title reign.
This weekend begins the following chapter, the following comeback story.
“What needed to occur, occurred,” Matias informed The Ring. “The one who needed to win our combat gained and, as a fighter, I took my lesson from it. God works in mysterious methods, and his message was properly acquired.”
Matias (20-2, 20 knockouts), The Ring’s No. 6-rated junior welterweight, returns this Saturday versus San Diego’s Roberto Ramirez (26-3-1, 19 KOs). Their scheduled ten-round bout will headline a PPV.com present from Coliseo Ruben Rodriguez in Bayamon, P.R.
It’s the second straight combat on the island for Matias, whose loss to Paro (25-0, 15 KOs) aired stay on DAZN from Manati. A sold-out crowd packed Coliseo Juan Aubin Cruz for Matias’ first combat at residence in practically 5 years.
The official outcome was removed from the specified final result.
So, too, was Matias’ Feb. 2020 determination defeat to Petros Ananyan in Las Vegas.
He realized from that evening and rattled off 5 straight knockouts win. 4 got here versus unbeaten opposition, together with his title-winning fifth-round stoppage of Jeremias Ponce final Feb. 25. The opposite was a stoppage over Ananyan in Jan. 2022 to avenge his lone defeat on the time.
The eventualities have been considerably totally different, when it comes to a assist system. Matias signed with Premier Boxing Champions simply previous to his loss to Ananyan. He remained with them for the aforementioned five-fight knockout streak and two wins in IBF title fights.
Matias’ loss to Paro got here in the beginning of a co-promotional pact with Matchroom Boxing. That deal is not in place, as the 2 sides have already parted methods.
The unique crew stays in place.
“I’m nonetheless with Recent Productions,” famous Matias. “The doorways are at all times open to all of the promoters. I can combat with whoever I need so long as Recent Productions is concerned. That’s the corporate who made me world champion.”
Recent Productions, headed by Juan Orengo, takes the lead on Saturday’s Pay-Per-View occasion. Paradoxically, it goes head-to-head with a Matchroom present on DAZN that includes IBF welterweight titlist Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis (32-0, 29 KOs). RING 115-pound champion Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez (20-0, 13 KOs) defends his crown within the co-main occasion.
Matias may also be with out the companies of coach Jacob ‘Panda’ Najar. An amicable cut up got here after Matias’ final combat and forward of this one, strictly because of logistical phrases. Matias educated in Najar’s fitness center in Mexico, however wished to be nearer to residence and his daughters for this combat.
“I’ve been by way of a number of trainers in my profession,” theorized Matias. “Each has contributed his [wisdom] to me. Panda and I had 4 fights collectively and have become world champion. We’re nonetheless on good phrases, Panda and his crew are glorious.
“For this combat, I wished to coach in P.R. Tomorrow, who is aware of. Something can occur.”
For now, all that should occur is for Matias to win this weekend.
Ramirez has gained three straight. Nonetheless, his final defeat got here in a Nov. 2020 knockout to William Zepeda (31-0, 27 KOs). Matias was a stablemate of The Ring’s No. 3-rated light-weight throughout his time with Najar.
The chances counsel a foregone conclusion this weekend. Some books have Matias as a lot as a 50/1 betting favourite this weekend.
A larger problem may very well be getting sufficient folks within the sport to concentrate.
Matias is not only the main attraction on Saturday’s present; he’s the one one. The $39.95 PPV price ticket is—at greatest—bold. Fewer eyeballs will probably be on his rebound combat, although huge native assist is predicted.
That’s the half that issues probably the most, why Matias by no means loses concentrate on what is actually essential.
“To return in entrance of my folks, I’m joyful for a way shortly this occurred,” famous Matias. “Juan Orengo and Recent Productions belief me to get again up and grow to be a champion once more. It’s a privilege.”
