Subriel Matias Claims TKO Victory in IBF Title Eliminator
On a vibrant Saturday night at the Coliseo Tomas Dones in Fajardo, Puerto Rico, the atmosphere was electric as former IBF World Super Lightweight champion Subriel Matias took on Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela in an IBF light welterweight title eliminator. The stakes were high, as the winner would secure a mandatory challenge for champion Richardson Hitchins. Matias, known for his explosive power and relentless style, emerged victorious, stopping Valenzuela in the eighth round. The final bell rang at 2:55, marking a significant step in Matias’s career.
A Slow Start and a Stunning Turnaround
The fight began with Matias, often labeled a slow starter, being outjabbed by the more composed Valenzuela in the first round. However, Matias’s true colors began to show in the second round as he started landing heavy left hooks to Valenzuela’s chin. Midway through the second round, Valenzuela managed to level the playing field, making the bout competitive. The third round saw Matias’s prowess come to the forefront as a fierce left hook nearly sent Valenzuela to the canvas, eliciting gasps from the crowd. Valenzuela, undeterred, continued to use his jab to stay in contention, but his legs appeared unsteady by the end of the round.
The Tide Turns in Favor of Matias
By the fourth round, Matias had found his rhythm and began to dominate. He landed a precise shot that cut Valenzuela’s right eyebrow, a wound that would play a crucial role in the remainder of the fight. In the fifth round, Matias continued to work on the cut, putting Valenzuela under intense pressure. The sixth round saw Valenzuela fighting in spurts, clearly hindered by the bleeding eye. The ring physician checked the cut between rounds, noting that Valenzuela’s right eye was almost closed. Despite this, Valenzuela fought back gamely in the seventh round, though it was clear he was losing ground.
A Dramatic Eighth Round
The eighth round proved to be the turning point. A powerful left hook from Matias to Valenzuela’s head sent the latter to the canvas. Referee Roberto Ramirez, recognizing the severity of the situation, quickly waved off the fight. The crowd erupted in excitement, and Matias, with a mix of relief and triumph, celebrated his hard-fought victory. This TKO solidified Matias’s position as a formidable contender in the light welterweight division.
Santiago Overcomes Former Champion Fortuna
In another highlight of the evening, WBO NABO Super Light champ Alfredo Santiago faced off against former WBA super featherweight champion Javier ‘El Abejon’ Fortuna. The fight was a display of raw power and skill. Santiago, known for his strategic approach, secured a knockdown in the eighth round, which ultimately led to the bout being stopped at 0:01 of the ninth round. The early rounds were intense, with both fighters exchanging heavy blows. Fortuna, despite his experience, struggled with Santiago’s relentless pressure and a closing right eye. The eighth round saw Santiago drop Fortuna with a left hook, and Fortuna’s corner wisely decided to end the fight, recognizing their fighter’s visible discomfort.
Bravo and Ndongeni Clash in a Controversial Decision
The WBA Continental Light welterweight champion Nestor Bravo faced Xolisani ‘Novema the Wasp’ Ndongeni in a closely contested 10-round bout. The first five rounds were characterized by Bravo’s aggressive pursuit of Ndongeni, who showcased his counterpunching skills. The final five rounds were a back-and-forth affair, with both fighters landing significant blows. The decision was a source of controversy, with the scores split at 95-94, 98-92 for Ndongeni, and 97-92 for Bravo. Despite the split decision, the crowd was left buzzing about the exciting action and the close nature of the fight.
Heavyweight Thriller: Taylor’s Dominant Knockout
In the heavyweight division, Pryce ‘Is Right’ Taylor continued his undefeated streak by knocking out Trevor Kotara in the first round. The bout, scheduled for six rounds, was cut short when Taylor’s powerful body shots repeatedly sent Kotara to the canvas. The first knockdown occurred a minute into the round, followed by another halfway through, and a third knockdown sealed Kotara’s fate at 2:12. Referee Ramon Pena, recognizing the futility of continuing, stopped the fight. Taylor’s dominant performance affirmed his status as a rising star in the heavyweight division.
A Night of Unforgettable Boxing
The Coliseo Tomas Dones in Fajardo, Puerto Rico, witnessed a night filled with thrilling action and memorable moments. Subriel Matias’s TKO victory over Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela, Alfredo Santiago’s triumph over Javier Fortuna, the controversial split decision between Nestor Bravo and Xolisani Ndongeni, and Pryce Taylor’s quick knockout of Trevor Kotara collectively made for an unforgettable evening of boxing. The energy in the arena, the skill on display, and the dramatic finishes left fans in awe and eagerly anticipating the next big event.
