The undercard of Subriel Matias’s IBF title defense against Liam Paro on June 15 is coming together with three Mexico-Puerto Rico clashes, including Angel Fierro-Alfredo Santiago and Yankiel Rivera-Victor Sandoval. New signings Stephanie Piñeiro and William Ortiz will also continue their pro journeys at Coliseo Juan Aubin Cruz Abreu in Manati, Puerto Rico live worldwide on DAZN.
Fierro (22-1-2, 17 KOs), a former lightweight, is fighting at 140 pounds for the first time. The 25-year-old won his first title in Puerto Rico with a turnaround KO win over former world champion Alberto Machado – climbing off the canvas in the first and second rounds to win behind a left hand in the sixth. ‘Tashiro’ successfully defended that title four times, most recently in Tijuana in September with a split decision win over Brayan Zamarripa, but now looks to make an impression at 140.
“I feel very excited to return to the ring and even more so in Puerto Rico, where three years ago I was crowned WBO NABO champion, and what better way than to return against a great rival in Alfredo for another title at 140 pounds,” Fierro said. “It will be a great fight, Mexico vs. Puerto Rico, where I come to repeat the same story from three years ago but this time much better.”
Santiago (14-2, 6 KOs) fights at 140 for the second time in his career and returns to action for the first time since scoring a first-round stoppage of Karl Dargan in Minneapolis in June 2022. The Dominican-born, Puerto Rico-based 29-year-old previously challenged Devin Haney for the WBC world lightweight title (Haney won a wide unanimous decision), and is looking to achieve a similarly high level against Fierro.
“Angel is an excellent Mexican opponent,” Santiago said. “I was born in Moca, a small town in the Dominican Republic, but I’ve lived in Puerto Rico for many years. I have made all my professional boxing career here in Puerto Rico. I am not letting Mr. Fierro come to my second home and beat me. That simply will not happen. Not in front of my people. I see you all on June 15. We are so ready!!”
“Every time two fighters from Mexico and Puerto Rico step into the ring, great things happen,” Rivera said. “Mexico and Puerto Rico have a long-standing boxing rivalry that has acquired legendary status over the years. I am proud to say that I already belong to that tradition. On June 15, I will have the opportunity to continue to contribute to the Mexico vs. Puerto Rico rivalry.
“I face a tough and complicated opponent in Victor Sandoval, who has all my respect and for who I am training accordingly. Most of all, I will have the opportunity to face this great challenge in front of my people. I already can feel the energy that’s going to fill that sold out arena. It will be a true honor to represent Puerto Rico in a fight against a Mexican warrior in front of my people. We are a country of boxing. We are going to show it come June 15. Vamos Arriba, Boricua!”
Sandoval (37-4, 23 KOs) is entering his 42nd fight just shy of his 27th birthday. “Camp for this fight is going great,” said Sandoval. “On June 15, there will be only one winner and that winner will be me. Viva Mexico!”
Unbeaten Puerto Ricans Piñeiro (6-0, 2 KOs) and Ortiz (5-0, 4 KOs) announced co-promotional deals with Matchroom yesterday, and today they are confirmed for the June 15 card. Piñeiro fights for her first pro titles on the night, taking on Mexico’s Diana Tapia (7-1 2 KOs). Ortiz fights for the sixth time in the paid ranks, and does so over six rounds at super lightweight against fellow Puerto Rican Luis Gonzalez (5-2, 4 KOs)
“I feel honored to be part of such an important match on June 15 in Manati,” said Piñeiro. “Tapia is a great fighter, and we are training hard to face the best version of her. We’re going to put on a great show. It will be a classic Puerto Rico vs. Mexico battle. One step closer to a world championship match.
“I have trained very hard to get where I am,” Tapia said, “and come June 15, I will be taking the belts back home to Mexico with me.”
“We would like to thank Eddie Hearn and everyone at Matchroom for this opportunity, along with the WBA and WBO,” said Tapia’s promoter, Daniel Otter of Three Lions Promotions. “Diana looks amazing in training, and we are confident she will make short work of Stephanie and become the new WBA Continental Americas and WBO International champion.”
“I am very happy to be fighting in front of my people of Puerto Rico once again, especially this time since I’m fighting on a world stage level event!” said Ortiz.
“June 15 in Puerto Rico promises to be a brilliant night of boxing,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “The main event is going to be a war, and with three Puerto Rico vs. Mexico title battles added to the card, this is going to be non-stop action from first bell to last.”
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