Weigh-In Success for IBF Light Welterweight Title Eliminator
On Friday, Subriel Matias and Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela both successfully made weight for their IBF light welterweight title eliminator, set to take place on Saturday, March 1st, at the Coliseo Tomas Dones in Fajardo, Puerto Rico. The event will be broadcast live on DAZN, providing boxing fans with a front-row seat to this crucial bout. Both fighters came in at 139.8 pounds, ensuring that the fight will proceed as scheduled. This eliminator is a significant step for both men, but especially for Matias, who is looking to reclaim his former glory.
A Must-Win Fight for Matias
For Subriel Matias (21-2, 21 KOs), this fight is a must-win if he hopes to get another shot at the IBF light welterweight title. Matias, a former champion at 140 pounds, lost his belt in a disappointing performance against Liam Paro on June 15th, 2023, in Manati, Puerto Rico. Paro effectively neutralized Matias’s aggressive, brawling style by using his superior movement and roughing him up whenever he got close. This strategy exposed Matias’s vulnerabilities and highlighted the need for him to adapt and refine his approach in the ring. If Matias can overcome Valenzuela and look impressive doing so, he will be one step closer to a rematch with the current champion, Richardson Hitchins.
Valenzuela’s Strategy and Background
Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela (30-3-1, 17 KOs) is likely to follow a similar strategy to Paro’s. At 30 years old, Valenzuela has a nine-year professional career in Mexico, but he has never beaten a notable opponent. His losses include a defeat to William Zepeda and a more recent loss to Montana Love in 2022. Despite these setbacks, Valenzuela has won his last five fights, though against lower-level opposition. His power is evident, but it doesn’t match Matias’s. Valenzuela’s best chance to win is to use his movement to keep Matias at bay and rough him up when he gets close. This is a high-stakes fight for Valenzuela as well, as a win could solidify his position as a legitimate contender in the division.
The Importance of a Convincing Victory
It’s crucial for Matias to not only win but to do so convincingly. Valenzuela’s lack of notable victories and his #4 ranking with the IBF suggest that he may not be as formidable as his record indicates. Matias needs to demonstrate that he has learned from his past mistakes and can adapt to different styles. A dominant performance would not only boost his confidence but also strengthen his case for a title shot against Hitchins. The boxing world will be watching closely to see if Matias can rise to the occasion and show the form that once made him a champion.
The Challenge Ahead: Richardson Hitchins
If Matias does secure a victory, he will face an even greater challenge in the form of IBF champion Richardson Hitchins. Hitchins, known for his speed and technical prowess, can execute the same tactics that Paro used, but with greater efficiency and precision. Matias, who is generally considered a slower fighter, will struggle to corner Hitchins and land his powerful shots. The key for Matias will be to find a way to neutralize Hitchins’s speed and use his power to his advantage. A win over Valenzuela would be a significant step, but the road to reclaiming the title is far from over.
The Road to Redemption
This fight represents a pivotal moment in Subriel Matias’s career. A victory over Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela would not only put him in line for a title shot but also serve as a statement of his resilience and determination. Matias has the power and the heart to make a strong case for a rematch with Hitchins, but he must first prove himself against Valenzuela. The boxing community will be eager to see if Matias can overcome the obstacles that have hindered him in the past and take a significant step towards redemption. The stage is set for a compelling battle in Fajardo, and the outcome could shape the future of the light welterweight division.
