The anticipation for the high-stakes matchup between Subriel Matias and Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela has captured the attention of boxing fans. Both fighters officially weighed in at 139.8 pounds ahead of their 12-round headliner, set to be streamed live on DAZN on March 1st at the Coliseo Tomas Dones in Fajardo, Puerto Rico. This bout is even more significant as it serves as an IBF light welterweight title eliminator, determining who will become the mandatory challenger to the reigning champion, Richardson Hitchins. For Matias, this fight is more than just a contest; it’s a pivotal moment to reclaim his standing after experiencing a surprising defeat last summer.
Subriel Matias, with a record of 21 wins, including all his victories coming by way of knockout, suffered an unexpected defeat to Liam Paro last June. The unanimous decision loss, which took place in front of a home crowd in Manati, Puerto Rico, has haunted Matias since. He was widely considered a leading contender in the light welterweight division, but Paro’s strategic prowess exposed vulnerabilities in Matias’ approach. Lacking the necessary adaptability, Matias struggled against Paro’s movement and clinching, which diminished his offensive effectiveness. Fans are eagerly awaiting how Matias will address these shortcomings in the ring against Valenzuela, as anything less than an impressive performance could leave doubts about his championship caliber.
On the other side, Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela, who holds a record of 30 wins with 17 knockouts, enters this fight as the underdog. Valenzuela’s history suggests he hasn’t faced opponents of Matias’ caliber, making experts skeptical about his chances. Nonetheless, he is not to be dismissed outright. Valenzuela’s last noteworthy challenge came against Montana Love in 2022, where he grappled with a strong competitor but ultimately fell short. This upcoming bout presents him with an opportunity to redefine his career against a former champion and move past a pattern of facing less elite competition.
The excitement of the night doesn’t end with Matias and Valenzuela. In the co-featured fight, Alfredo Santiago takes on former super featherweight champion Javier Fortuna. Santiago, weighing in at 139.75 pounds, has a record of 16 wins, while Fortuna comes in heavier at 144 pounds with an impressive record of 39 wins. Fortuna’s recent form, having won two of his last four fights, suggests that he brings experience and skill to the table. This match between Santiago and Fortuna could serve as a critical juncture for both fighters, amplifying the stakes of the evening as fans look for noteworthy performances.
Both Matias and Valenzuela, as well as Santiago and Fortuna, have much to prove in what promises to be an electrifying night of boxing. Matias seeks to exorcise the demons of his past defeat, while Valenzuela aims to capitalize on any slip-ups his opponent may have. As the light welterweight division continues to evolve, the outcomes of these bouts will not only shape individual careers but also realign the competitive landscape within the sport. The fighters’ performances could redefine expectations and pave the way for future title shots, making this an event that boxing aficionados have circled on their calendars.