By Miguel Rivera
Puerto Rico's big puncher, Subriel Matias (13-0, 13 KOs), is ready for the International Boxing Federation (IBF) eliminator on Friday, July 19 at the MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland.
His opponent, will be another undefeated puncher in Maxim Dadashev (13-0, 11 KOs) from St. Petersburg, Russia. The twelve round junior welterweight bout will be showcased on ESPN + starting at 10:00PM (Eastern time).
The winner of Matias-Dadashev will become the mandatory challenger to IBF world champion Josh Taylor, who is scheduled to face WBA champion Regis Prograis in the title unification bout as part of the final bout of of the 'World Boxing Super Series' tournament.
Matias, who is ranked #9 in the IBF, #11 in the World Boxing Association (WBA) and #13 in the WBC, has notable victories over current WBC Continental Americas champion Adrian Estrella, former world title challenger of two divisions Fernando Saucedo and two time Venezuelan Olympian Patrick Lopez.
"We're going in front of a fighter who hits with both hands and who has what a fighter required to put me to the test. This will be the fight that defines my future as a boxer. We had enough time to prepare and in this fight we will know what we are made of. We are willing to leave the leather in the ring in order to get the victory. Puerto Rico I am yours. Thank you for your support," said Subriel Matías, who is trained by Alex 'Cano' Matos and Ángel 'Indio' Guevara.
The promoter of Matias, Juan Orengo, indicated that, "Subriel has the tools to convincingly win this important fight. The pride of Maternillo is coming to give everything and I do not think Dadashev can withstand the pressure for 12 rounds. After July 19, we will be working hard to bring that world title fight to Puerto Rico. We have to encourage big fights in Puerto Rico to help tourism and the economy."
Dadashev, ranked # 3 in the IBF, is an outstanding amateur from his native Russia, winning 281 bouts before becoming a professional under the guidance of veteran manager Egis Klimas. Dadashev has victories over former world champions Antonio DeMarco and Darleys Perez and has won nine of his last ten bouts by knockout.
