Subriel Matias and Elvis Rodriguez reportedly could fight for the #1 spot in the IBF’s light Welterweight rankings.
The potential clash hasn’t been confirmed, and it could depend on whether WBO 140-lb champion Teofimo Lopez chooses to swerve defending against the dangerous former IBF champ Matias (21-2, 21 KOs). Given how Teo is whining on X 24/7 about Top Rank, he may choose not to Matias.
Clash For #1?
‘The Dominican Kid’ Rodriguez (17-1-1, 13 is ranked #7 with the IBF at 140 and has won his last six fights since losing to Kenneth Sims Jr. by an eight-round majority decision on May 22nd, 2021.
Matias, 32, lost his IBF title to Liam Paro last year on June 15th, getting roughed up in a fight that was loosely officiated by the referee. Paro got away with a lot of roughhouse tactics that should have resulted in point warning and point deductions in that fight.
Richardson Hitchins now holds the IBF light welterweight title after defeating Paro by a 12-round split decision last month on June 7th. So, if the Matias-Rodriguez fight does happen, the winner would be facing Hitchins for the IBF title.
“BREAKING NEWS: While Teofimo Lopez plays at being a negotiator on social media and even questions how much it would cost to buy out his contract, the rumors don’t stop! 🥊 There is talk of a possible clash between Subriel Matias and Elvis Rodriguez for the #1 spot in the IBF,” said Cesar Seda on X.
Update: Elvis Rodriguez’s team has chosen not to take the fight with Matias and is now focusing on fighting the recently beaten Yomar Alamo. It’s a more winnable fight for Rodriguez than going up against Matias and possibly getting knocked out.
Matias is still the boogeyman in the 140-lb division, and there aren’t too many fighters, if any, that are willing to fight him. Teofimo Lopez is another one who has chosen not to fight Matias.