Subriel Matías Defends His World Title Against Liam Paro in Puerto Rico – Press Conference Highlights

Subriel Matías (20-1, 20 KOs) returns to fight in Puerto Rico for the first time in over four years in a world title fight against Liam Paro (24-0, 15 KOs).

The two headline a Matchroom Boxing card done in collaboration with Fresh Productions at the Coliseo Juan Aubín Cruz Abreu in Manatí, Puerto Rico. Fight fans around the world can catch the action live on DAZN. For Matías, this will be the second defence of his IBF super lightweight title and his first fight since signing a co-promotional deal with Matchroom Boxing.

Ahead of their clash on June 15, the two fighters spoke at a press conference. Below is some of what they had to say.

Subriel Matías Defends His World Title Against Liam Paro in Puerto Rico

Matías vs. Paro Press Conference Quotes

Matías

“First and foremost I want to thank God,” said Matías through an interpreter. “I also want to thank my team, my manager, my promoter Eddie Hearn for accepting to do business with me. I’m delighted to be here…[The last time I was here] I wasn’t champion, but this time I am champion so it’s going to be very interesting.”

Read More: Subriel Matias Overcomes Tough Start For World Title TKO

“I want to say something [to] Liam Paro,” he said in English. “I’m really very happy because he accept the challenge to fight me in my house, my town. I think in the paper people say I’m avoided and he accept the challenge. I’m happy for this because Saturday night, two warriors are going to put [on] a show in Puerto Rico.”

Paro

“Yeah, definitely,” said Paro when asked about whether he has what it takes to beat Matías. “We’re fighters. We fight. I’m going to stick by that. Firstly, I want to thank you [Eddie Hearn] and Matchroom for giving me this opportunity. I want to say [in Spanish: much respect to Matías. Respect to Puerto Rico. I’m coming to give their champion a great fight.].”

Read More: Subriel Matias Stops Jukembayev In Eight

“A million per cent [I have the tools to beat him]. He’s a tremendous champion. His record speaks for itself. It’s a world title at the end of the day. It’s what you dream about as a young kid and nothing in life comes easy. I’m taking the biggest test. Not only for the title but also the best guy in the division at the moment. It’s a no-brainer for me. Like I said, fighters fight and I’ll fight anyone and I’m proving that I’m coming into the lion’s den to Puerto Rico to take on the champion. I’m ready.”

Fight Prediction

Matías holds a rare distinction in the sport of boxing. Every single one of his victories has come by way of knockout. It is extremely difficult to go rounds with a fighter like Matías and it is hard to see how Paro could make it to the final bell. Everything about this matchup favours Matías. Expect a stoppage win for the Puerto Rican somewhere in the middle rounds.

Full Press Conference

For the entire press conference featuring Matías, Paro and undercard fighters, click here of the play button below. Videocourtesy of Matchroom Boxing.