Ex-champion Subriel Matías defeats Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela by knockout in Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico celebrates its hero: Former IBF World Super Lightweight Champion Subriel Matías (22-2, 22 knockouts) defeated Mexico’s Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela (30-4-1, 17 knockouts) in impressive fashion, winning by knockout in the eighth round.
The fight began on an even footing, with both boxers going toe-to-toe in the first three rounds. Valenzuela put in a strong performance, bravely engaging in an exchange of blows with Matías. However, from the fourth round onwards, the Puerto Rican increasingly took control and caused Valenzuela to suffer a cut, which called in the ring doctor.
Matías pushed the pace even more in the seventh round and put Valenzuela under a lot of pressure. The Mexican even had to undergo a further examination by the ring doctor after the round, but was allowed to continue into the eighth round. There, Matías struck decisively with a right hook followed by a left jab. Valenzuela went down on one knee and got back to his feet, but the referee stopped the fight with just five seconds left on the clock.
Matías on course for IBF title
Following his title loss to Liam Paro in June last year, Matías has worked his way back with two consecutive wins and is now the official mandatory challenger for the IBF super lightweight title.
Unbeaten Richardson Hitchins (19-0, 7 knockouts) currently holds the title after defeating Liam Paro by split decision in December. A fight between Hitchins and Matías could now be inevitable – and promises to be an electrifying clash between two of the weight class’ elite boxers.