Subriel Matias has taken note of those who’ve branded him as a cheater.
An investigation is ongoing regarding an adverse finding from a drug testing sample provided by the current WBO 140lbs titlist ahead of his mandatory defense against England’s Dalton Smith. The two are currently due to meet on January 10 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
As previously reported by BoxingScene, Puerto Rico’s Matias, 23-2 (22 KOs), tested positive for trace amounts of the banned substance Enobosarm (Ostarine). BoxingScene’s report from November 20 noted the possibility of the fight still moving forward given his level - 0.085 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) - was below the minimum threshold (0.1 ng/mL) that New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC) would consider an abnormal finding.
That didn’t prevent several outlets and many more fans and outside observers from suggesting the fight was in jeopardy while branding the two-time 140lbs titlist as a drug cheat.
“God's mercy has taken away my flowers. So, everyone who spat upwards, take note,” Matias cautioned his detractors. “Put on an umbrella because it's going to fall in your face.
“I've never needed to cheat.”
A statement provided by NYSAC officials confirmed BoxingScene’s previous report that – while they are still fully examining the matter – the fight is likely to move forward. WBC officials are also monitoring the situation given its title is at stake, and also in accordance with the sanctioning body’s Clean Boxing Program.
Matias and his promoter, Juan Orengo of Fresh Productions, have fully cooperated with the investigation and have even requested the testing of the boxer’s “B” sample.
For now, Matias remains in camp and continues to prepare for the first defense of his second title reign. The former IBF 140lbs beltholder claimed the WBC strap in a thrilling majority decision over previously unbeaten Alberto Puello on July 12 in Queens, New York.
Matias was immediately joined in the ring by Sheffield’s Smith, 18-0 (13 KOs), as it was common knowledge that the unbeaten Brit was owed an immediate title shot against the winner.
Smith will enter his first career title fight and also make his U.S. debut.
Despite prior interest from Turki Alalshikh and Riyadh Season, who funded the July 12 show, the two sides failed to reach terms which triggered a purse bid. Fresh Productions outbid Matchroom Boxing – Smith’s promoter – to obtain the rights to the attractive matchup.
Initial plans called for the fight to tentatively take place in mid-to-late December in Matias’ native Puerto Rico. Fresh Productions immediately shifted gears and decided the bout was better suited for early 2026 in the greater New York City region.
Ironically, the same NYSAC officials were forced to rule on Ryan Garcia’s drug testing scandal for the same substance, following his 12-round bout with Devin Haney last April – also at Barclays Center.
Garcia initially won a majority decision but not Haney’s WBC 140lbs title since he badly blew weight. Things went from bad and bizarre to much, much worse when he produced multiple positive tests for Ostarine - and far beyond the minimum threshold - for which he was met with a one-year-suspension.
Garcia’s team went on a public relations campaign, claiming contamination and largely resorting to gaslighting in a failed effort to clear the boxer’s name.
Matias has never previously tested positive for a banned substance and – given his explosive knockout power – has long served as a favorite among the sport’s cult level.
“The day I try to cheat, God willing, He will destroy me and reduce me to nothing in my life,” insisted Matias. “God is faithful.”
