IBF light welterweight champion Subriel Matias predicts a knockout victory for him in his title defense against unbeaten Liam Paro this Saturday night, June 15th at the Juan Aubin Cruz Abreu in Manati, Puerto Rico.
Matias (20-1, 20 KOs) wants to take the unbeaten record from the challenger Paro (24-0, 15 KOs) in their 12-round clash, live on DAZN.
Paro Embraces the Challenge
“I’m taking the biggest test, not only for the title but for the best guy in the division,” said Liam Paro during today’s final press conference for his title fight against IBF light welterweight champion Subriel Matias this Saturday night, June 15th in Puerto Rico.
“I’ll fight anyone, and I’m proving that. I’m coming into the lion’s den to Puerto Rico to take on the champion. So, I’m ready.”
It’s a big step up for the 28-year-old challenger Paro from the opposition he’s been facing during his eight-year professional career, as he’s not been tested against anyone notable. Paro’s best wins were against Montana Love, Brock Jarvis, and Yomar Alamo.
“We know this is a good fight, a dangerous fight for Subriel, and it’s a dangerous fight for Liam Paro,” said Jacob ‘Panda’ Najar, the coach for IBF light welterweight champion Subriel Matias.
“What more exciting than to be in Puerto Rico in front of Matias’ fans in his hometown with all of his people being here, his children, his wife, and everyone being here. I believe 100% in my heart I know what we did in camp. We’ve done everything correctly, there’s no excuses, and I know on Saturday night, Subriel Matias will be victorious, and his belt will remain here in Puerto Rico.”
Hearn Acknowledges the Hometown Advantage
“We know that Subriel has had to go on the road many times in his career. Now, in front of his adoring fans, his people. Obviously, that’s going to lift his performance as well, but it’s important to stay calm as well on Saturday,” said promoter Eddie Hearn.
“Absolutely, you have to lift the mindset of a fighter to allow him to know he’s the one that is at the top of the ring,” said coach Najar. “We all want to please the fans, but he’s the one in there fighting. So, we have to remain calm; we have to let him know in the camp that we’re not going to be pressured by the cheers, the claps, or the yells.
“He’s a professional with 21 fights. He knows what he needs to do. This is the same Subriel that comes out. The warrior, the attacker, the animal in the ring.”
“You say you were like a caged animal in training camp. Of course, we know you’re a dangerous fighter. This guy is a good fighter. Do you expect a tough challenge on Saturday?” said Hearn to Matias.
“Every one of your victories ended inside the distance. Do you believe on Saturday night that you stop this man and you remain the most dangerous man the division?” said Hearn.
“I don’t think this fight will go 12 rounds,” said Matias. “Everything he showed me, this won’t go 12 rounds. He might come to box. He obviously wants to take that title away from me, and I want to take his undefeated record away from him.”
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