There’s a lot to like about Subriel Matias. The 32-year-old Puerto Rican powerhouse has belted, bludgeoned and bashed his way to the IBF title at 140-pounds, claiming 20 scalps inside the distance in his 21-fight pro career. The one blemish on his ledger? A close points loss to Petros Ananyan after climbing off the canvas in the seventh round on the undercard of the rematch between Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder in 2020.
The rematch two years later? A nine-round beatdown of the only opponent to defeat him. That’s why Matias has been dubbed the most dangerous man in boxing. Most people run away from danger.
A rare few run towards it. You can count Liam Paro amongst their ilk. “I’m excited for it,” the 28-year-old Australian southpaw told The Ring from his training camp in Miami, Florida after his final sparring session on Thursday.
“He’s the most avoided fighter not just in boxing, but in the sport I believe. The vibes are good over here in Florida. I’ve been here for five weeks now and I’m finishing off the tail end of camp.
“It’s a good feeling to be a week away, to be nine days away from a dream that I’ve had since a young kid. “Everything’s been good, there’s good people around and good vibes, so I’m ready to shock the world.” Subriel Matias celebrates his IBF title-winning performance against Jeremias Ponce.
The climate has been good for Paro too. “It’s like a Queensland summer over here, it’s felt like home. It’s another slice of .