In a blockbuster junior welterweight clash, former undisputed lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez and hard-hitting Puerto Rican contender Subriel Matias are finalizing a deal to fight for Lopez’s WBO title on March 15. The high-stakes 140-pound battle will headline a Top Rank Boxing pay-per-view event, with the location still to be determined.
Lopez Looks to Cement Junior Welterweight Reign
Teofimo Lopez (21-1, 13 KOs) has been on a mission to conquer the junior welterweight division since moving up after his shocking loss to George Kambosos Jr in November 2021. The 27-year-old Brooklyn native wasted no time in capturing the WBO title, outclassing Josh Taylor in dominant fashion last June.
However, Lopez’s reign has not been without its challenges. He struggled mightily in a closer-than-expected decision win over Jamaine Ortiz in February before rebounding with a more convincing victory against Steve Claggett in his most recent outing. Lopez knows he needs a signature win to solidify his status as the division’s top dog.
Matias Seeks Redemption After Title Loss
Subriel Matias (21-2, 21 KOs) is one of boxing’s most exciting action fighters, a relentless volume puncher who leaves it all in the ring. The 32-year-old southpaw’s IBF title reign was short-lived, however, as he suffered a shocking upset loss to Liam Paro last June in his native Puerto Rico.
Matias, who previously avenged his only other defeat against Petros Ananyan, rebounded with a destructive second-round stoppage of Roberto Ramirez in November. Now he has his sights set on dethroning another young champion and recapturing junior welterweight gold.
Breaking Down the Matchup
On paper, Lopez vs Matias has all the makings of an explosive firefight. Both men possess fight-ending power, a fan-friendly style, and unwavering self-belief. It’s the classic boxer vs puncher matchup that has produced so many memorable battles throughout boxing history.
- For Lopez, the key will be using his superior speed, footwork and technique to keep Matias at the end of his punches. If he can frustrate the Puerto Rican with movement while landing crisp counters, it could be a long night for Matias.
- For Matias, the game plan is simple – make it a dog fight. Push the pace, apply relentless pressure, and force Lopez into the trenches. Matias thrives in phone booth warfare and has the power to hurt anyone at 140 pounds.
This has fight of the year written all over it. You’ve got an electrifying young star in Teofimo Lopez against a pure puncher in Subriel Matias who only knows one way to fight. When you match those styles, fireworks are guaranteed.
– Carl Moretti, VP of Top Rank
The Stakes Are High
For Teofimo Lopez, this fight represents a chance to reestablish his dominance and prove his lightweight supremacy was no fluke. A convincing win over a dangerous puncher like Matias would go a long way in silencing the doubters who question if he’s truly an elite talent.
Subriel Matias knows opportunities like this are fleeting, especially coming off a loss. At 32, he’s in his prime but the clock is ticking. Upsetting Lopez would be a life-changing, legacy-defining achievement that cements his status as one of Puerto Rico’s great champions.
| Tale of the Tape | Teofimo Lopez | Subriel Matias |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 21-1 (13 KOs) | 21-2 (21 KOs) |
| Age | 27 | 32 |
| Height | 5’8″ | 5’8″ |
| Reach | 74″ | 70″ |
| Stance | Orthodox | Southpaw |
Early Prediction
Given the contrasting styles, this fight will come down to which man can impose his game plan. Teofimo Lopez is the more well-rounded, technically proficient boxer, but Subriel Matias‘ relentless aggression is capable of dragging anyone into deep waters.
In the end, we’ll lean towards Lopez’s bigger fight experience, superior versatility and overall skill edge to be the difference. But make no mistake, if he’s anything less than 100% locked in, Matias has the wrecking ball power to spring the upset in emphatic fashion.
Prediction: Teofimo Lopez by hard-fought unanimous decision in an absolute war.
