IBF gentle welterweight champion Subriel Matias predicts a knockout victory for him in his title protection in opposition to unbeaten Liam Paro this Saturday night time, June fifteenth on the Juan Aubin Cruz Abreu in Manati, Puerto Rico.
Matias (20-1, 20 KOs) needs to take the unbeaten report from the challenger Paro (24-0, 15 KOs) of their 12-round conflict, reside on DAZN.
If Matias can win this struggle, he’ll have some fascinating choices in opposition to former WBC 140-lb champion Regis Prograis and probably one of many different champions within the division.
Matias incessantly talked about Prograis in the course of the promotion of Saturday’s struggle, which might imply that Hearn has thought-about his identify a risk.
That’s a straightforward struggle for Hearn to make. WBC champion Devin Haney has a compulsory protection due.
Paro Embraces the Problem
“I’m taking the largest check, not just for the title however for the very best man within the division,” mentioned Liam Paro throughout right this moment’s last press convention for his title struggle in opposition to IBF gentle welterweight champion Subriel Matias this Saturday night time, June fifteenth in Puerto Rico.
“I’ll struggle anybody, and I’m proving that. I’m coming into the lion’s den to Puerto Rico to tackle the champion. So, I’m prepared.”
It’s an enormous step up for the 28-year-old challenger Paro from the opposition he’s been dealing with throughout his eight-year skilled profession, as he’s not been examined in opposition to anybody notable. Paro’s finest wins have been in opposition to Montana Love, Brock Jarvis, and Yomar Alamo.
“We all know it is a good struggle, a harmful struggle for Subriel, and it’s a harmful struggle for Liam Paro,” mentioned Jacob ‘Panda’ Najar, the coach for IBF gentle welterweight champion Subriel Matias.
“What extra thrilling than to be in Puerto Rico in entrance of Matias’ followers in his hometown with all of his individuals being right here, his kids, his spouse, and everybody being right here. I imagine 100% in my coronary heart I do know what we did in camp. We’ve accomplished every thing accurately, there’s no excuses, and I do know on Saturday night time, Subriel Matias shall be victorious, and his belt will stay right here in Puerto Rico.”
Hearn Acknowledges the Hometown Benefit
“We all know that Subriel has needed to go on the street many instances in his profession. Now, in entrance of his adoring followers, his individuals. Clearly, that’s going to carry his efficiency as effectively, however it’s vital to remain calm as effectively on Saturday,” mentioned promoter Eddie Hearn.
“Completely, you need to carry the mindset of a fighter to permit him to know he’s the one that’s on the high of the ring,” mentioned coach Najar. “All of us need to please the followers, however he’s the one in there combating. So, we now have to stay calm; we now have to let him know within the camp that we’re not going to be pressured by the cheers, the claps, or the yells.
“He’s knowledgeable with 21 fights. He is aware of what he must do. This is identical Subriel that comes out. The warrior, the attacker, the animal within the ring.”
“You say you have been like a caged animal in coaching camp. In fact, we all know you’re a harmful fighter. This man is an efficient fighter. Do you count on a troublesome problem on Saturday?” mentioned Hearn to Matias.
“Each one among your victories ended inside the space. Do you imagine on Saturday night time that you simply cease this man and also you stay essentially the most harmful man the division?” mentioned Hearn.
“I don’t suppose this struggle will go 12 rounds,” mentioned Matias. “All the things he confirmed me, this received’t go 12 rounds. He may come to field. He clearly needs to take that title away from me, and I need to take his undefeated report away from him.”
