Subriel Matías
Puerto Rican boxer (born 1992)
Subriel Matías
Personal information
Nicknames
  • Browny
  • NoMás'Tías[2]
  • El Orgullo de Maternillo
    ("The Pride of Maternillo")
BornSubriel Ahmed Matías Matthew
(1992-03-31) March 31, 1992 (age 33)
Fajardo, Puerto Rico
Height5 ft 9 in (175 cm)[1]
WeightSuper-lightweight
Boxing career
Reach71 in (180 cm)[1]
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record
Total fights26
Wins23
Win by KO22
Losses3

Subriel Ahmed Matías Matthew (born March 31, 1992) is a Puerto Rican professional boxer. He is a two-time super-lightweight champion, having held the WBC title from 2025 to 2026, and previously the IBF title from 2023 to 2024.

Professional career

Early career

Matías made his professional debut against Juan Rojas on December 19, 2015. He won the fight by a first-round technical knockout. Matías amassed an 8–0 record before taking the first step up of his career on August 18, 2018, as he faced Colombian veteran Breidis Prescott.[3][4] He won the fight by a third-round technical knockout. Prescott was twice knocked down in the third round, with a left hook and an uppercut, before retiring from the bout.[5]

Matías faced the journeyman Wilberth López in a stay-busy fight on March 2, 2019. He won the fight by a sixth-round technical knockout.[6] Matías would then face the undefeated Maxim Dadashev in an IBF junior welterweight title eliminator on July 19, 2019.[7] Dadashev retired from the fight at the end of the eleventh round. He suffered a severe brain injury during the bout and passed away a few days later.[8]

Matías faced Petros Ananyan on February 22, 2020, on the undercard of Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury II. Despite entering the fight as a sizable favorite, he lost the fight by a close unanimous decision. Matías was staggered back to the ropes late in the seventh round, which referee Roberty Byrd ruled a knockdown. This proved to be the pivotal moment of the contest, as two of the judges scored the bout 95–94 for Ananyan, while the third judge gave his opponent a slightly wider scorecard of 96–93.[9]

Rise up the ranks

Matías faced the undefeated Malik Hawkins on October 24, 2020. He won the fight by a seventh-round technical knockout. The contest was stopped a second into the round, on the advice of the ringside physician, who was previously called to check the injuries on Hawkins' face in the fifth round. All three judges had Matías up 59–54 at the time of the stoppage.[10]

Matías faced Batyrzhan Jukembayev in an IBF junior welterweight title eliminator on May 29, 2021. Jukembayev retired from the fight at the end of the eighth round. Matías had knocked him down with a left hook in the fourth round and was up 77–74, 77–74 and 76–75 on the scorecards by the end of the final round.[11]

Matías faced Petros Ananyan on January 22, 2022. The pair previously fought on February 22, 2020, when Ananyan was able to win by a narrow unanimous decision. He was unable to replicate his earlier success however, as he was forced to retire at the end of the tenth round, after he was knocked down with a left hook in the previous round. Matías was up 89–81 on two of the judges' scorecards at the time of the stoppage and 88–82 on the last one.[12][13]

IBF super-lightweight champion

Matías vs. Ponce

On June 3, 2022, the IBF ordered Matías to face Jeremias Ponce for the interim IBF super-lightweight title.[14] On July 7, the sanctioning body instead ordered the unified super-lightweight champion Josh Taylor to make a mandatory title defense against Ponce.[15] Taylor refused the fight on August 24 and officially vacated the belt on that same day. The IBF immediately ordered a vacant championship bout between Matías and Ponce.[16] Although the fight was scheduled to take place on October 15, on the undercard of the Deontay Wilder and Robert Helenius Fox Sports pay-per-view, it was postponed as Ponce was unable to secure a visa in time for the fight.[17] The title bout was rescheduled for February 11, 2023,[18] before being postponed to February 25. It took place at the Armory in Minneapolis, Minnesota and headlined a Showtime broadcast card.[19] Matías won the fight by a fifth-round stoppage, as Ponce's corner decided to retire their fighter at the end of the round.[20][21]

Matías vs. Ergashev

On June 16, 2023, it was reported that Matías would make a voluntary title defense against Sergey Lipinets.[22] Twelve days later however, the IBF ordered Matías to make a mandatory defense against the undefeated Shohjahon Ergashev.[23] As the two camps failed to reach an agreement within the allotted negotiation period, a purse bid was scheduled for August 15,[24] although it was later postponed by a week as both sides requested an extension.[25] The promotional rights were eventually won by Premier Boxing Champions, on behalf of Matias, with a bid of $510,000.[26] The fight took place on November 25.[27] Ergashev retired from the bout at the beginning of the sixth round, citing inability to compete due to a leg injury as the reason for his withdrawal from the fight.[28]

Matías vs. Paro

On February 4, 2024 it was reported that Matias would make the second defense of his IBF super lightweight title against Liam Paro in the summer 2024 in Puerto Rico.[29][30] In February, it was reported that the fight was off, and Elvis Rodriguez was a possible contender.[31] On March 12, it was reported that the fight was back on for June 15, 2024 in Manati, Puerto Rico.[32] On March 27, 2024 the fight against Paro was confirmed for June 15, 2024 in Manati, Puerto Rico.[33] Matias lost the fight by unanimous decision.[34]

WBC super-lightweight champion

Matías vs. Puello

Matías faced Alberto Puello for the WBC super-lightweight title at Louis Armstrong Stadium in New York on July 12, 2025. He won by majority decision with two of the ringside judges scoring the fight 115–113 in his favour, while the third had it a 114–114 draw.[35][36][37]

Failed anti-doping test

On November 20, 2025, it was reported that Matías had failed an anti-doping test with the banned substance Ostarine being found in a urine sample he provided to the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA).[38][39] On December 3, 2025, the WBC ruled the positive test was caused by contaminated supplements and placed Matías on probation for one year including further testing to be paid for by the boxer.[40][41]

Matías vs. Smith

Matías made the first defense of his title against Dalton Smith at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, on January 10, 2026.[42][43] He was knocked to the canvas in the fifth round and, although he got back to his feet, the referee ruled he was not fit to continue and waved the fight off, giving Smith the win by technical knockout.[44][45]

Personal life

Matías was raised in Maternillo, a poor seaside fishing community of Fajardo.[46] He received support from his mother, his grandmother Viviana, and people close to the family, such as father figure Julio de Jesús.[47] Matías developed an early interest in motorcycling and he was gifted two, a Harley Davidson and a Vespa.[47] He was involved in criminal activities as a youth, suffering a gunshot wound on August 10, 2012, and serving a 19-month term in prison.[46] Afterwards, Matías took up boxing as a career and signed as a professional in 2015.[46] He credits these experiences with giving him a strong mind, showing him how to deal with adversity and providing the time to find himself and faith.[46] Matías is married to Yachari Benabe, and has three daughters.[47]

Professional boxing record

26 fights 23 wins 3 losses
By knockout 22 1
By decision 1 2
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
26 Loss 23–3 Dalton Smith TKO 5 (12), 2:24 Jan 10, 2026 Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, U.S. Lost WBC light-welterweight title
25 Win 23–2 Alberto Puello MD 12 Jul 12, 2025 Louis Armstrong Stadium, New York City, Queens, New York, U.S. Won WBC light-welterweight title
24 Win 22–2 Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela TKO 8 (12), 2:55 Mar 1, 2025 Coliseo Tomas Dones, Fajardo, Puerto Rico
23 Win 21–2 Roberto Ramírez TKO 2 (10), 2:16 Nov 9, 2024 Coliseo Rubén Rodríguez, Bayamón, Puerto Rico
22 Loss 20–2 Liam Paro UD 12 Jun 15, 2024 Coliseo Juan Aubin Cruz Abreu, Manatí, Puerto Rico Lost IBF light-welterweight title
21 Win 20–1 Shohjahon Ergashev RTD 6 (12), 3:00 Nov 25, 2023 Michelob Ultra Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. Retained IBF light-welterweight title
20 Win 19–1 Jeremias Ponce RTD 5 (12), 3:00 Feb 25, 2023 Minneapolis Armory, Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S. Won vacant IBF light-welterweight title
19 Win 18–1 Petros Ananyan RTD 9 (12), 3:00 Jan 22, 2022 Borgata Hotel Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
18 Win 17–1 Batyrzhan Jukembayev RTD 8 (12), 3:00 May 29, 2021 Dignity Health Sports Park, Carson, California, U.S.
17 Win 16–1 Malik Hawkins RTD 7 (10), 0:01 Oct 24, 2020 Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, Connecticut, U.S.
16 Loss 15–1 Petros Ananyan UD 10 Feb 22, 2020 MGM Grand Garden Arena, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
15 Win 15–0 Jonathan Eniz TKO 5 (10), 2:59 Nov 30, 2019 Tomás Coliseo Dones, Fajardo, Puerto Rico
14 Win 14–0 Maxim Dadashev RTD 11 (12), 3:00 Jul 19, 2019 MGM National Harbor, Oxon Hill, Maryland, U.S. Dadashev later died of injuries
13 Win 13–0 Wilberth López TKO 6 (10), 1:52 Mar 2, 2019 Tomás Coliseo Dones, Fajardo, Puerto Rico
12 Win 12–0 Fernando Saucedo TKO 1 (10), 3:00 Oct 27, 2018 Lakefront Arena, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
11 Win 11–0 Breidis Prescott KO 4 (10), 0:36 Aug 18, 2018 Parque Pedro Cepeda, Cataño, Puerto Rico
10 Win 10–0 Adrián Estrella RTD 4 (10), 3:00 May 19, 2018 Parque Pedro Cepeda, Cataño, Puerto Rico
9 Win 9–0 Daulis Prescott TKO 3 (10), 0:23 Feb 17, 2018 Coliseo Ecuestre Municipal, Fajardo, Puerto Rico
8 Win 8–0 Patrick López TKO 2 (8), 1:42 Nov 18, 2017 Hotel Jaragua, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
7 Win 7–0 Luis Pelayo TKO 2 (8), 0:26 Aug 5, 2017 Coliseo Ecuestre Municipal, Fajardo, Puerto Rico
6 Win 6–0 Abrahan Peralta RTD 2 (10), 3:00 Jun 25, 2017 Hotel Jaragua, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
5 Win 5–0 Joaquim Carneiro TKO 3 (8), 2:13 Mar 25, 2017 Parque Concepción Pérez Alberto, Fajardo, Puerto Rico
4 Win 4–0 Jeffrey Fontanez TKO 2 (6), 2:48 Dec 10, 2016 Cosme Beitía Sálamo Coliseum, Cataño, Puerto Rico
3 Win 3–0 Luis Rodríguez TKO 4 (6), 1:49 Sep 9, 2016 Cosme Beitía Sálamo Coliseum, Cataño, Puerto Rico
2 Win 2–0 Ramón Meléndez TKO 2 (4), 2:59 Jul 16, 2016 Tomás Dones Coliseum, Fajardo, Puerto Rico
1 Win 1–0 Juan Rojas TKO 1 (4), 1:01 Dec 19, 2015 Tomás Dones Coliseum, Fajardo, Puerto Rico

See also

References

  1. ^ a b Showtime Championship Boxing tale of the tape prior to the Jeremias Ponce fight.
  2. ^ Tom Eaton (December 8, 2023). "World Champion Who Teofimo Lopez Says He'd KO In 4 Rounds Announces Fight Is Agreed". BoxingSocial.com. Retrieved December 21, 2023.
  3. ^ "Subriel Matías Faces Adrian Estrella On May 19". boxingnews24.com. 24 April 2018. Retrieved 27 February 2023.
  4. ^ Hernández, José Rafael (17 July 2018). "Subriel Matías defenderá invicto ante Breidis Prescott en Fajardo". presenciapr.com. Retrieved 27 February 2023.
  5. ^ Boxingscene Staff (19 August 2018). "Subriel Matias Crushes Breidis Prescott, Jantony Ortiz is KO'd". boxingscene.com. Retrieved 27 February 2023.
  6. ^ Boxingscene Staff (3 March 2019). "Subriel Matias Breaks Down, Stops Wilberth Lopez in Sixth". boxingscene.com. Retrieved 27 February 2023.
  7. ^ Gaztambide, Fernando (17 June 2019). "Subriel Matías llegó a Maryland para eliminatoria mundial con Maxim Dadashev". soloboxeo.com. Retrieved 27 February 2023.
  8. ^ Rafael, Dan (21 February 2020). "Subriel Matias opens up on Maxim Dadshev tragedy, pursuit of title shot". espn.com. Retrieved 27 February 2023.
  9. ^ Christ, Scott (22 February 2020). "Wilder vs Fury 2 results: Petros Ananyan upsets Subriel Matias in prelim opener". badlefthook.com. Retrieved 27 February 2023.
  10. ^ Donovan, Jake (24 October 2020). "Subriel Matias Breaks Down, Drops, Stops Malik Hawkins". boxingscene.com. Retrieved 27 February 2023.
  11. ^ Donovan, Jake (29 May 2021). "Subriel Matias Breaks Down, Stops Batyr Jukembayev in Eight Rounds". boxingscene.com. Retrieved 27 February 2023.
  12. ^ Rosenthal, Michael (22 January 2022). "Subriel Matias stops Petros Ananyan after nine rounds in rematch". boxingjunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved 27 February 2023.
  13. ^ Idec, Keith (22 January 2022). "Subriel Matias Gets Revenge: Drops, Stops Petros Ananyan in Nine Round War". boxingscene.com. Retrieved 27 February 2023.
  14. ^ Stumberg, Patrick L. (3 June 2022). "IBF orders Subriel Matias vs Jeremias Ponce for interim 140 lb title". badlefthook.com. Retrieved 27 February 2023.
  15. ^ Donovan, Jake (11 August 2022). "Josh Taylor-Jeremias Ponce IBF Title Fight Ordered, Heads To August 23 Purse Bid". boxingscene.com. Retrieved 27 February 2023.
  16. ^ Donovan, Jake (24 August 2022). "Josh Taylor Relinquishes IBF Title; Jeremias Ponce-Subriel Matias Vacant Title Fight Ordered". boxingscene.com. Retrieved 27 February 2023.
  17. ^ Donovan, Jake (10 September 2022). "Subriel Matias-Jeremias Ponce Vacant IBF Title Fight Delayed Due To Ponce Visa Issues". boxingscene.com. Retrieved 27 February 2023.
  18. ^ Stumberg, Patrick L. (2 December 2022). "Subriel Matias vs Jeremias Ponce set for February 11th in Minnesota". badlefthook.com. Retrieved 27 February 2023.
  19. ^ Random Hits (24 January 2023). "Subriel Matias vs. Jeremias Ponce Showtime Tripleheader is Official". boxingscene.com. Retrieved 27 February 2023.
  20. ^ "Boxing Results: Subriel Matias Stops Jeremias Ponce For IBF Title!". Boxing News 24. Retrieved 5 December 2025.
  21. ^ "Subriel Matías is the new IBF champion after stopping Jeremias Ponce". DAZN. Retrieved 5 December 2025.
  22. ^ Coppinger, Mike (16 June 2023). "Sources: Subriel Matias, Sergey Lipinets agree to Aug. 26 bout". espn.com. Retrieved 4 August 2023.
  23. ^ Stumberg, Patrick L. (28 June 2023). "Shohjahon Ergashev is 23-0 with 20 knockouts but has no notable wins in the last three years". badlefthook.com. Retrieved 4 August 2023.
  24. ^ Donovan, Jake (3 August 2023). "Matias-Ergashev: August 15 Purse Bid Scheduled For IBF Title Fight". boxingscene.com. Retrieved 4 August 2023.
  25. ^ Donovan, Jake (15 August 2023). "Matias-Ergashev: Purse Bid Delayed, Both Sides Request Extension To Reach Deal For IBF Title Fight". boxingscene.com. Retrieved 15 August 2023.
  26. ^ Donovan, Jake (22 August 2023). "Matias-Ergashev: TGB Promotions ($510,000) Wins Purse Bid For IBF 140-Pound Title Fight". boxingscene.com. Retrieved 24 August 2023.
  27. ^ Coppinger, Mike (13 October 2023). "Sources: Matias-Ergashev title bout Nov. 25". ESPN.com. Retrieved 18 October 2023.
  28. ^ Christ, Scott (25 November 2023). "Subriel Matias stops Shohjahon Ergashev to retain IBF title: Full fight video highlights and results". Bad Left Hook. Retrieved 26 November 2023.
  29. ^ "Delineados los próximos pasos de Subriel Matías: rumbo a México mientras espera que se oficialice su próxima pelea ante Liam Paro". El Nuevo Día (in Spanish). 4 February 2024. Retrieved 6 February 2024.
  30. ^ Iskenderov, Parviz (6 February 2024). "Subriel Matias to face Liam Paro this summer in Puerto Rico". FIGHTMAG.
  31. ^ Stumberg, Patrick (23 February 2024). "Subriel Matias vs Liam Paro off, Elvis Rodriguez a possible replacement". Bad Left Hook.
  32. ^ "Sources: Matias, Paro finalizing June title fight". ESPN.com. 13 March 2024.
  33. ^ Iskenderov, Parviz (28 March 2024). "Subriel Matias: I'm super excited to fight Liam Paro in Puerto Rico". FIGHTMAG.
  34. ^ Iskenderov, Parviz (16 June 2024). "Liam Paro claims world title by decision against Subriel Matias". FIGHTMAG.
  35. ^ "Subriel Matias Beats Alberto Puello By Controversial Majority Decision, WIns WBC 140-Pound Crown". The Ring. Retrieved 5 December 2025.
  36. ^ "Subriel Matias takes WBC title from Alberto Puello, David Morrell edges past Imam Khataev". badlefthook.com. Retrieved 5 December 2025.
  37. ^ "Subriel Matias defeats Alberto Puello by majority decision". Boxing News Online. Retrieved 5 December 2025.
  38. ^ "Subriel Matias fails drug test ahead of Dalton Smith title defense". badlefthook.com. Retrieved 5 December 2025.
  39. ^ "Subriel Matias tests positive for PED Ostarine; fight vs. Dalton Smith in jeopardy". The Ring. Retrieved 5 December 2025.
  40. ^ "Subriel Matias 'not guilty' say WBC; fight with Dalton Smith goes ahead". Boxing Scene. Retrieved 5 December 2025.
  41. ^ "Dalton Smith will pursue world title fight after WBC ruling on champion Subriel Matias' failed drug test". Sky Sports. Retrieved 5 December 2025.
  42. ^ "Subriel Matias-Dalton Smith Lands At Brooklyn's Barclays Center". The Ring. Retrieved 5 December 2025.
  43. ^ "Dalton Smith to take big Sheffield following to America". The Star. Retrieved 5 December 2025.
  44. ^ "Briton Smith stuns Matias to become world champion". BBC Sport. Retrieved 11 January 2026.
  45. ^ "Dalton Smith stuns Subriel Matias by KO to lift WBC junior welterweight title". The Ring. Retrieved 11 January 2026.
  46. ^ a b c d Jorge Mercado (March 1, 2023). "Subriel Ahmed Matías Matthew- "Estudio en la universidad de la vida #YoSoyElOrgulloDeMaternillo" (in Spanish). Claridad. Retrieved December 21, 2023.
  47. ^ a b c Sara del Valle Hernández (December 8, 2023). "Subriel Matías recibe el mejor regalo en 2023: "Una vez tengo a mis hijas, veo la Navidad distinta"" (in Spanish). El Nuevo Día. Retrieved December 21, 2023.
  • Boxing record for Subriel Matías from BoxRec (registration required)
  • Subriel Matías - Profile, News Archive & Current Rankings at Box.Live
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