Philippines, 16 Feb 2026
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


Salita Promotions and Puerto Rico’s Fresh Productions Present IBF World Title Eliminator Subriel Matías vs. Gabriel Valenzuela

PhilBoxing.com





Saturday, March 1 * Fajardo, Puerto Rico * Live on DAZN
Tickets on sale now at Ticketera.com

DETROIT, Mich. (February 5, 2025) – Salita Promotions and Fresh Productions today announced a high stakes battle of junior welterweights set for Saturday, March 1, live on DAZN. Charismatic Puerto Rican knockout specialist Subriel Matías (21-2, 21 KOs) will face Mexico’s Gabriel Valenzuela (30-3, 17 KOs) in an IBF world title eliminator. Matias and Valenzuela, the IBF’s two top ranked 140-pound contenders respectively, will headline the event in Matias’ hometown of Fajardo, Puerto Rico, and extend the classic Puerto Rico vs. Mexico boxing rivalry. The winner of the bout will be the mandatory challenger to reigning IBF Champ, Richardson Hitchins.

Matias, through the co-promotion deal with Juan Orengo’s Fresh Productions, is the latest in a slew of young talent to align with the fighter-turned-promoter Dmitriy Salita. Matias joins Puerto Rican Olympian Ashleyann Lozada, heavyweights Brandon Moore and Pryce Taylor and French Canadian highly ranked contender Carolyn Veyre as exciting new faces on Salita Promotions’ DAZN boxing telecasts in the first quarter of 2025.

The March 1 event is promoted by Fresh Promotions and Salita Promotions and is expected to be the first of a series of events to be produced by this joint venture. Fresh Productions has established itself as the leading promotional company in Puerto Rico, with by far the best roster of fighters from the Island, which includes Matias, Alfredo “Ojo” Santiago and two-time world champion Emmanuel “Manny” Rodríguez, among others.

Tickets for the event at Coliseo Tomás Dones Hernández, Fajardo, Puerto Rico went on sale today and can be purchased at www.ticketera.com.

“Subriel Matías embodies the Puerto Rican fighting spirit and is simply a can’t-miss fighter every time he steps into the ring,” said Salita. “Among the most dangerous active fighters of today, Matías will have the opportunity to replant his flag atop the star-studded junior welterweight division. With the reigning champions and several other stars fighting in and around 140 pounds, there is no shortage of huge matchups waiting for Matías when he comes out on top in his homecoming event.”

“We are excited to bring this great fight to Subriel’s hometown of Fajardo,” said Juan Orengo of Fresh Productions. “It will be an unforgettable night for Puerto Rican boxing and for all the fans who have closely followed Subriel’s career. We appreciate DAZN, Salita Promotions, and everyone involved for making this event possible.”

“Fighting in my hometown, in front of my people, is an honor and an extra motivation,” said Matias. “I know Valenzuela will come prepared, but I’m ready to prove why I deserve another shot at the title. On March 1st, Fajardo will witness a great battle.”

The 32-year-old former IBF Junior Welterweight World Champ Matías started his impressive professional career in 2015 when he made his debut against Juan Rojas and won the fight via first-round TKO. Since then, Matías has amassed 21 victories, all by stoppage. Boasting a highlight reel career, Matías is widely regarded as one of the most prolific finishers in boxing. In June 2022, Matías faced Jeremias Ponce for the vacant IBF Junior Welterweight Title. Emerging victorious via fifth round stoppage, Matías defended his title once against Shohjahon Ergashev before losing the title via decision to Liam Paro last June. Now, Matias is en route to becoming a two-time IBF World Champion.

Following the loss, Matias went right back to work and, in November, returned to the win column with a second-round stoppage of Mexico’s Roberto Ramirez. With another win on March 1, Matías will earn his second shot at the title.

Facing Matías will be a surging, confident 30-year-old Valenzuela. On the strength of five straight victories, Valenzuela boasts 17 knockouts in 30 wins and should make an electrifying match opposite Matías. Originally scheduled to face each other in November 2024, Valenzuela will compete for the first time in Matías’ home country of Puerto Rico. Currently ranked No. 4 in the IBF junior welterweight division (Matias is No. 3) with the top two spots vacant, Valenzuela is confident that he can win on foreign soil and earn his first world title shot against Hitchins.

“This fight is going to be a classic,” said Valenzuela. “I’m proud to represent my country as I fight to bring another world title back home to Mexico. I want to thank my promoters BXSTRS Promotions and JD Promotions as well as Salita Promotions, and DAZN for this opportunity. ¡Viva México! See you on March 1!”




Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • Efe Ajagba vs Charles Martin: Zuffa Heavyweights Square Off on Sunday
    By Chris Carlson, , Sun, 15 Feb 2026
  • “The Nightmare” Back in Action: Oguni vs Tapales April 3 in Japan
    By Carlos Costa, , Sun, 15 Feb 2026
  • Cold Comfort: Tapales and Vitor Frozen Out in Moscow Heartbreaker
    By Dong Secuya, , Sat, 14 Feb 2026
  • WBC Celebrates 63 years of dedication to the sports and fighters
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sat, 14 Feb 2026
  • BOXING STARS FROM AROUND THE WORLD LINING UP FOR 2026 HALL OF FAME WEEKEND IN "BOXING’S HOMETOWN"
    , Sat, 14 Feb 2026
  • Filipino Boxers Make Weight in Brico Santig's Valentine's Show in Thailand
    By Carlos Costa, , Sat, 14 Feb 2026
  • Filipinos Vitor and Tapales Take on Russians for IBF Asia Titles in Moscow Today
    By Dong Secuya, , Fri, 13 Feb 2026
  • Manny Pacquiao Promotions Returns to Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, Calif. with a Pair of World Championship Bouts
    , Fri, 13 Feb 2026
  • IOAN CROFT AND GARAN CROFT SIGN FOR MATCHROOM BOXING AS EDDIE HEARN LOOKS AHEAD TO BRIGHT FUTURE FOR EXCITING WELSH TWINS
    , Fri, 13 Feb 2026
  • 3 Division World Champion & Hall of Famer Marco Antonio Barrera Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas
    , Fri, 13 Feb 2026
  • Day One Concludes at 2026 USA Boxing International Open
    , Thu, 12 Feb 2026
  • Female Boxing GOAT Katie Taylor to be Special guest at All-N.E. Golden Gloves Thursday, Feb. 12, in Lowell, MA
    , Thu, 12 Feb 2026
  • Brandon McCarthy Signs with Wise Owl Boxing, Set to Make Noise at 135 lbs
    , Thu, 12 Feb 2026
  • Filipino Boxers Set for Action on Valentine's Day in Thailand
    By Carlos Costa, , Wed, 11 Feb 2026
  • Oklahoma Outplays LA Lakers, 119-110; Arrests Skid to Hold on to League Lead
    By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Wed, 11 Feb 2026
  • Malaya Vibrations to play gig at 5th MFPI Mindanao Summit
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 11 Feb 2026
  • Fight of the Night in Thailand: Ador Torres and Sairike Tuolewutayi Battle to a Thrilling Draw
    By Carlos Costa, , Wed, 11 Feb 2026
  • Young Australian Benji Birchell Claims Title Win in Thailand
    , Wed, 11 Feb 2026
  • Tickets for the Inaugural “Mike Tyson Invitational” Amateur Fight Night on Saturday, March 14, in Las Vegas Are on Sale Now
    , Wed, 11 Feb 2026
  • 2026 USA Boxing Men's Elite High Performance Team and Squad Rosters Announced
    , Wed, 11 Feb 2026
  • IIEE, SAEP shared lead, PIChE won 3rd in a row in the PTC WED NEMO Chess
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 11 Feb 2026
  • The Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo RETURNS! Saturday May 2, 2026 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV
    , Wed, 11 Feb 2026
  • THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 9 FEBRUARY 2026: Figueroa Stops Ball in 12; Medina Outpoints Curiel; Asanau, Unal Win in Montreal
    By Eric Armit, , Tue, 10 Feb 2026
  • Paradero gets a rematch against Francisco
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 10 Feb 2026
  • Carcedo wins WBA Asia South super welterweight title
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 10 Feb 2026




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2026 philboxing.com.