IBF Title Eliminator Victory Moves Subriel Matías One Step Closer to Redemption

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Subriel Matías has once again positioned himself at the forefront of the junior welterweight division. Known for his relentless pressure and ferocious punching, the Matias added another highlight to his career by stopping Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela in the eighth round during their IBF title eliminator on March 1 in Fajardo, Puerto Rico.

This victory not only maintained Matías’ flawless finishing rate but also solidified his status as the next challenger for the IBF junior welterweight title. With the IBF championship belt now held by Richardson Hitchins, the path is clear for Matías to reclaim the throne he once had—and possibly exact revenge on a familiar rival along the way.

IBF Title Eliminator: What It Meant for Matías​

The IBF title eliminator served as a crucial turning point for Matías, offering him a direct route back into world title contention. Facing Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela, ranked No. 4 by the IBF, Matías demonstrated why he is one of the most dangerous fighters in the 140-pound division.

His signature volume punching and relentless forward pressure ultimately overwhelmed Valenzuela, who had to take a knee in the eighth round after a sustained barrage.
With the victory, Matías improved his record to 22 wins, all by knockout, with just two losses.

More importantly, the win secured his place as the IBF's mandatory challenger, setting up a future bout against the unbeaten Richardson Hitchins. For Matías, the title eliminator was not merely a return to the top of the IBF contenders list—it was a declaration that he remains a force in the ever-competitive junior welterweight landscape.

Subriel Matías' Path to Redemption​

Matias has experienced dominance and disappointment. After a string of dominant wins, he first won the IBF junior welterweight title. However, his title ended in June 2024, when he lost unanimously to Liam Paro in Puerto Rico.

The defeat forced Matias to regroup, refocus, and reaffirm his desire to regain championship glory. Since that setback, he has shown progress when he played Valenzuela. The fight was tough, but Matias' better conditioning, experience, and relentless attack eventually wore him down.

Even though he now looks likely to challenge Hitchins for the IBF belt, Matias has made clear his sights are far beyond reclaiming the title. He is targeting retribution against Paro, who is ranked No. 6 by the IBF at 140 pounds. For Matias, being a two-time champion means more than just winning gold again.

Potential Opponents and Fight Implications​

Matias will now face undefeated IBF junior welterweight champion Richardson Hitchins. On December 7, 2024, Hitchins won by a split decision over Liam Paro. That matchup should be a great test of Matias's technical skill and ring IQ versus Hitchins's power and aggression.

Outside of the immediate title shot, Matias' win has redefined the IBF contenders list and created anticipation in the junior welterweight division. Should Matias defeat Hitchins, he would regain his title and set up a big rematch with Liam Paro. The prospect of finishing up business left undone adds narrative intrigue to the weight class.

Challenges and Expectations​

Matías’ recent performance showcased the strengths that have defined his career: relentless pressure, high punch output, and an ability to break down even the toughest opponents. His commitment to preparation was evident, as he noted post-fight that he trained for 12 hard rounds and drew on his experience training in Mexico to respect and understand the dedication of fighters like Valenzuela.

However, upcoming challenges loom. Hitchins brings a sharp, defensive style and an undefeated record, posing a different test from the physically demanding bout Matías faced against Valenzuela. Matías will need to address any lingering defensive vulnerabilities and fine-tune his strategy to succeed against a tactician like Hitchins.

The junior welterweight division remains one of boxing’s deepest, featuring elite fighters capable of shifting the hierarchy at any moment. Matías has demonstrated that he belongs among the sport’s top contenders. Now, with a title shot secured and revenge within reach, all eyes are on how he navigates the next crucial chapter of his career.

Frequently Asked Questions​

What is Subriel Matías' current boxing record?

Subriel Matías currently holds a record of 22 wins, all by knockout and two losses.

Who did Subriel Matías defeat in the IBF title eliminator?

Matías defeated Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela via eighth-round knockout on March 1, 2025, in Fajardo, Puerto Rico.

Who is the current IBF junior welterweight champion?

Richardson Hitchins is the reigning IBF junior welterweight champion. He won the title by defeating Liam Paro via split decision in December 2024.