The IBF has ordered #5 Subriel Matias and #6 Gabriel Valenzuela to begin negotiations for a welterweight title eliminator to decide which #1 contender will challenge new 140 lb champion Richardson Hitchins for his belt.
IBF Order Eliminator
Matias, 32, has an excellent opportunity to return to world title contention to regain his old IBF belt, which he lost a year ago with a 12-round unanimous decision loss to Liam Parr on June 15.
It is difficult for Valenzuela to beat Matias because he is an excellent striker and will put constant pressure on him. Gabriel will likely follow Paro’s blueprint using movement, great clinch, pushing and other rough tactics to try and win.
Elvis Rodriguez decided not to fight Matias (21-2, 21 KOs). Otherwise, he would face the former IBF welterweight champion in the title eliminator. That’s his loss, as he’s expected to fight Yomar Alam next.
It’s Jake Donovan reporting IBF orders Matias-Valenzuela negotiations.
Gabriel Valenzuela (30-3-1, 17 KOs) has won his last five fights since losing to Montana Love via a close 12-round unanimous decision in Las Vegas on May 7, 2022. Valenzuela’s other two losses came against William Zepeda and Luis Hernandez Ramos.
