Promoter Eddie Hearn is excited about signing the knockout artist, IBF 140-lb champion Subriel Matias to his Matchroom stable.
Teofimo Lopez: Hearn’s Target
Hearn says he’s got many fights that he wants to set up for the hard-hitting Matias (20-1, 20 KOs), chiefly, a unification clash against WBO light welterweight champion Teofimo Lopez.
Hearn wants Teofimo to agree to the fight with Matias next, and he’s asking him to respond to his call out for that fight. Understandably, Teofimo may choose to decline the risky fight with the dangerous Puerto Rican and continue focusing on his own plans of trying to get a clash with Terence Crawford.
Hearn’s Matchmaking Wishlist
- Ryan Garcia vs. Devin Haney winner
- Liam Paro
- Dalton Smith
- Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero vs. Isaac Cruz winner
The 140-lb Landscape
“Everybody knows how deep we are at 140, but you need the champions. You need the big names,” said promoter Eddie Hearn to Matchroom Boxing about signing Subriel Matias, the IBF 140-lb champion, to his stable.”
The name mentioned frequently as the first opponent Matias to fight under Hearn’s Matchroom banner is the unbeaten #7 IBF Liam Paro (24-0, 17 KOs). That fight is being mentioned as a possibility for this summer in June or July.
“Obviously, we’re involved with Haney and the Garcia fight. Richardson Hitchins he’s in a final eliminator for Subriel Matias,” said Hearn. “Liam Paro, he could be a potential opponent for Subriel Matias in May. You’ve got Dalton Smith, he’s going to be fighting Zepeda.”
Richardson Hitchins wouldn’t be as interesting of a fight for Matias, considering he’s a pot-shot mover, and would likely be hitting and running all night, making it boring for the fans.
“He’s going to be right up there,” said Hearn. “With all the promoters coming together, we’ve got a champion, Matias, who will give you a great time every time. As I said about Teofimo. If Top Rank wants to come out and play with Subriel Matias, yes, please.
“If Rolly beats Isaac Cruz, yes, please. Devin Haney vs. Ryan Garcia winner, yes, please. I’ll put this kid in with anyone. He’s special,” said Hearn about fights he wants for Matias.
