IBF light welterweight champion Subriel Matias is undoubtedly the most shunned of all in the 140 lb division because of the danger he brings to the ring.
Matias (20-1, 20 KOs) couldn’t get top fighters in the division to fight him during his nine-year career, and that hasn’t changed since signing with Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn.
Title Defense against Liam Paro
This month, Matias defends his IBF title against Liam Paro (24-0, 15 KOs) on June 15, live on DAZN at the Coliseo Juan Aubin Cruz Abreu in Manati, Puerto Rico.
It might be better for Matias if he looks poor and struggles against Paro because that might open the way for the top heavyweights to finally agree to face him.
We know for sure that Matias’ impressive efforts haven’t helped him get important fights, and that won’t change if he continues to look good.
The Problem of Promotion
“He is a real player in this division. No one wants to get in the ring with this guy at all. It is a sin. He’s got all these big names, and no one ever mentions this guy’s name,” said Tim Bradley speaking to Probox TV, referring to IBF light welterweight champion Subriel Matias, who was blocked from other fights in the top 140.
“You want to know why? Because they know you are very dangerous. You can say they’re afraid of him, but if the money was right, I think these guys would fight.”
Matias’ new promoter Eddie Hearn may not be able to come up with enough money to attract players like Devin Haney, Teofimo Lopez, Isaac Cruz or Ryan Garcia to fight him. It may take the Saudis, but they have shown a lot of interest in the 140-lb division.
“I think he’s promoting enough where the money should be right, but because he hasn’t been promoted, there’s not enough push behind him now,” said boxing expert Paulie Malingaggi about Matias. “There is no excuse for this boy not to be as famous as he should be.
“He’s Puerto Rican, and he’s a big peach. We saw that formation before the popularity created a lot of money.”
Matias should be more famous than he is, but it backfires on the opposition. If he can’t get superstars to fight him, he’ll be in a situation where his fights won’t attract fans.
“Maybe he’s better if he looks bad [Liam] Actually Paro because he might be able to get those fights,” said Chris Algieri about Matias.
“I don’t think so, but we’ll see,” Bradley said.
The problem with Matias’ bad looks is that it can backfire, with the top guys using that as an excuse not to fight him.
“A lot of good fights are made after bad plays,” Algieri said.
“Yeah, you’re right,” Bradley said. “I think Paro is the right guy. Also, he must be able to keep his distance. You often tie the knot with me. “I see him succeeding early on, maybe even later,” Bradley said of Paro.
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