“I’m on cloud nine right now,” said newly crowned IBF jr welterweight champion Subriel Matias after stopping Jeremias Ponce Saturday night at The Armory in Minneapolis, Minnesota. “I don’t think I’ve woken up from this dream. Maybe I can tell you how it feels tomorrow, but right now, it’s a dream come true. I wanted to work him from the first round on, because I knew he wouldn’t have the same power as me as the fight went on.”
Regarding Ponce retiring in his corner, Matias said “I wasn’t really surprised. Once I saw how his corner reacted. I saw that [Ponce] was hurt. I thought that I was patient in the first four rounds, so I came out with a different approach and mindset in the fifth.”
After the fight, with his IBF belt in tow, Matias set his sights on a unification showdown against WBC 140-pound world champion Regis Prograis.
“Regis Prograis, I’m coming for you,” said Matias. “I’m the world champion now. I promise that I’m coming to hurt you. Prograis likes to talk the talk, but I have that same mentality. Let’s see who prevails. I want him to see that there are people crazier than him in this sport.”
Prograis puts it on him
I’m cheering for Prograis, but Matias will not be an easy fight.
That is an intelligent answer. I like it, Jason.
WillisLV, your comment is as ridiculous as saying Jake Paul puts it on Lawrence Okolie. Get real.
Prograis vs Matias, at worst is a 2-1 fight favoring either guy. It is dangerous for both men.
Either can win.
Mr. James: A very balanced view, one that I take more often these days, both can crack but I am slightly tilted toward Subriel Mathias. But, anyone can win.
Come on pal, Jake Paul is 100-1 dog in that fight. Prograis is the favorite in this one. Whose comment is ridiculous?
Prograis in 2!
Seriously? Then you don’t know sht about boxing.
I’m assuming you never watched Matias fights before last night. If Prograis decides to trade with him he’ll never be the same. Those Russian fighters are tough as nails and Matias has not only taken their souls and unfortunately a life but made a name of meaning them shot. He’s a big puncher who throws soft touches and then mixed it up with speed and power. He’s a volume puncher who doesn’t get tired. Prograis is an elite fighter and I give him the edge but he better not make the mistake of falling into a trading affair as he has done in the past. I see Prograis by Dec. or Matias by TKO in 11.
He also got hit with 65 power punches in the first 2 rounds. He won’t make to the third round if it happens against Regis. Everyone is entitled to their opinion and I may be wrong and will admit it if I am but I see more of an Edson Miranda then a Felix Trinidad here.
You are 100% there in my opinion, especially point about Miranda and Trinidad.
Someone wants to fight Prograis,,, thats new..
Lets see it.
He needs 3 more fights, but yes, Matias is capable of either beating Prograis, or making it very close.
With the rate at which they fight, 3 more fights might take 2-3 years.
I hope not Lucie.
It is very easy to lose focus right after ending another man’s life, accidentally, while during your job. So the 1 loss is BS.
Matias is a monster, actually capable of knocking out anyone in his division. This dude is sic.
Who cares, they both suck
Compared to who Jose?
That’s a good fight. You’re starting to see more guys call out Prograis, last week it was Jack Catterall after he lost out on the Taylor fight. I think Prograis is really good, but he’s losing time and he’s lost quite a bit already. He just turned 34, if he’s trying to leave any type of legacy (and make some really good money), he has to hurry up and Matias is definitely a pretty good place to start.
I say Regis schools him but let’s get it on – a good fight nonetheless.
Progais has no answer for this guy. Progais loses concentration, and technique mid every fight.
If this happens wow is all there is to say!
Matias gets hit too easily. Prograis hits just as hard, Matias ànd has a better chin. Matias only defeat was by stoppage.
I agree that Matias is somewhat lacking in his defensive abilities but his only defeat was by a close decision to tough as nails Petros Ananyan when he was admittedly suffering the after effects of having previously unbeaten opponent Maxim Dadashev die from his injuries. He took 8 months off and came back to knock out two fighters with 18-0 records before he avenged that loss with a brutal knockout. He did receive a standing eight count in that loss so you may be thinking of that.
Matias Lost by UD not by stoppage…
Matías lost a decision after dadachev…
No it was not by stoppage. It was a majority decision. Stop making stuff up.
Maybe we can see a few decent match ups in the jr welterweight division in 2023
Prograis will avoid a fight against Matias! He knows the ass whoopin’ that’s coming!!
I like Subriel crowd pleasing style, his dedication. For this fight he trained in Mexico away from his family and friends. He avenged his only loss and all fight won by KO/RTD/TKO. I hope he will diversified into a power-boxer and develop some defensive skills for his longevity and health. Good job Champ.
This would be FUN for as long as it lasts!! I’m not picking a winner. Just wanna see it!!!