Subriel Matías makes a homecoming return to Puerto Rico when he defends his IBF World Jr. Welterweight title against Liam Paro at the Coliseo Juan Aubín Cruz Abreu in Manatí on Saturday June 15, live worldwide on DAZN.

TICKETS GO ON SALE ON APRIL 5 AT TICKETERA.COM

Matías (20-1 20 KOs) landed the vacant IBF Jr. Welterweight title last February, forcing Jeremias Ponce to retire after five rounds of their clash in Minnesota, and successfully defended his title against mandatory challenger Shohjahon Ergashev in November, forcing another retirement, this time after six rounds in Las Vegas, continuing his incredible record of finishing all of his victories inside the distance.

The 31 year old puts the title on the line for the second time in a hotly anticipated clash that marks his return to fighting in his homeland for the first time since November 2019, a 12^th fight at home and the most important so far for the fearsome puncher who is eager to put on a show and move towards unification battles.

“I am super excited to be able to be in front of my people defending the title that we had such a hard time getting,” said Matías. “The mentality will always be the same and in front of my people I don’t even have to say it, they know me. The Pride of Maternillo.”

Paro (24-0 15 KOs) is looking to spoil the party and the Australian challenger has no fear in entering enemy territory to do so in his first World title fight. The 27 year old was at his spiteful best in his last outing, flooring Montana Love twice in a six-round bludgeoning in San Francisco in December. The unbeaten southpaw was previously ruled out of a first World title fight with Regis Prograis through injury, but now lands the chance to rip the title from one of the most feared champions in the sport, and Paro is champing at the bit for his opportunity.

“I’ve waited my whole life for this opportunity,” said Paro. “Fighter’s fight and I can’t wait to fight the boogeyman in his backyard.”

June 15 represents Matchroom’s first event in Puerto Rico, and it’s the first fight with Matías after he signed a co-promotional deal with Matchroom and Fresh Productions.

“Puerto Rico is preparing for a world-class event with the expected second defense of champion Subriel Matias,” said Juan Orengo, Fresh Productions. “We expect a night full of action and excitement for boxing fans. I thank the Mayor of Manatí, Honorable José Sanchez for his commitment and collaboration to make this event at the home of the Osos de Manatí.”

“The celebration of this important event headed by Subriel Matias in our city’s coliseum not only highlights local talent, but also has a significant impact on our economy and tourism,” said Mayor of Manatí, Honorable José Sanchez. 

“Sporting events of this magnitude attract visitors from all over which boost the economic activity of our city through spending on lodging, gastronomy, transportation and other related activities. In addition, by highlighting Manatí as a destination for high-caliber sporting events, we are strengthening our position in the tourism sector and promoting long-term economic growth.  

“We are excited to see the benefits this event will bring to our city, both in terms of sporting prestige and economic development, and we look forward to welcoming the fans who will come to enjoy this exciting event in our coliseum.

“I am so excited to be bringing Subriel back home for his second World title defense,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “It’s an honor for Matchroom to be heading to Puerto Rico for the first time and there’s no doubt that Subriel and Liam will produce an epic battle to mark the occasion.

“We want to thank the Mayor of Manatí, Honorable José Sanchez and his office for working with us to make this happen, and we promise to deliver a night to remember on June 15.”

Tickets for Matías vs. Paro will go on sale on April 5 via Ticketera.com

Liam Paro told Matchroom’s Flash Knockdown podcast that he will show he belongs at the top level when he meets Montana Love at Chase Center in San Francisco on Saturday December 9, live on DAZN PPV in North America and on DAZN worldwide, where Regis Prograis defends his WBC World Super-Lightweight title against Devin Haney.
 
Paro (23-0 14 KOs) returns to the ring after over a year on the sidelines since his spectacular first round KO of Brock Jarvis in Brisbane in October 2022, and is itching to get back into action after injury ruled him out of two fights in the first half of the year, the last and most notable of those being a World title shot against Prograis in New Orleans in June.
 
Paro is back to full fitness and has been on fire in training camp in Las Vegas, where he found himself caught up in a Twitter storm around his sparring with pound-for-pound star Shakur Stevenson. The 27 year old adhered to the fighters code and did not go into specifics of the work, but said he took away real belief that those are the names he belongs with – and will prove it on December 9 against Love.
 
“It’s sparring at the end of the day,” said Paro. “We got good rounds in, but mark my words, I belong at the top level, I can mix it with them confidently. I appreciate the work with Shakur, it’s great work and a good camp to work with, but I belong there for sure. 
 
“I want the winner of Haney-Prograis. I think Devin beats him, I think the way to give him trouble is fast feet like Vasiliy Lomachenko, but in his last fight Regis’ looked stuck in the mud. He’s going to be fit and ready though as this is a massive fight, as big as it gets, but I think Devin edges this one out. Haney vs. Paro rolls off the tongue, but I am not looking past Montana, I know I need to get the job done there first.
 
“I know that when I get the job done, I’ll be headlining big shows like this one against big names, it just motivates me so much. It’s what you dream of as a young kid and now it’s starting to become a reality. It’s unbelievable. I’m here, but I want more. The harder the task, the more I perform, I always rise to the occasion. I love it. That’s what makes a champion, performing under pressure, I really thrive on that.”
 
Joining Paro on the latest episode of Flash Knockdown are O’Shaquie Foster, who reviews his epic fight with Rocky Hernandez and eyes a unification with Joe Cordina next, Josh Warrington, who reflects on his clash with Leigh Wood, and there’s another Mike Costello gem from the memory bank.
 

Callum Smith fights in Liverpool for the first time since 2019 when he faces undefeated world-ranked Pole Pawel Stepien at the top of a stacked card at the M&S Bank Arena on Saturday March 11 that features Liam Paro vs. Robbie Davies Jr and Diego Pacheco vs. Jack Cullen, live worldwide on DAZN (excluding Australia and New Zealand). 

The WBC’s No.1 ranked Light-Heavyweight Smith (29-1, 21 KOs) returns home for a must-win clash with the IBF’s No.7 ranked 175-pounder Stepien (18-0-1, 12KOs) as he looks to secure a mouth-watering showdown with unified WBC, WBO and IBF ruler Artur Beterbiev later in the year.

Former WBA and Ring Magazine Super-Middleweight World Champion ‘Mundo’ has won both of his fights at Light-Heavyweight in brutal fashion following a move up in weight after his points loss to pound-for-pound superstar Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez at the Almodome in San Antonio, USA back in December 2020.

The 32-year-old Liverpudlian destroyed Lenin Castillo with a sickening second round KO to return to winning ways on the undercard of the first meeting between Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua at the home of Tottenham Hotspur in September 2021 before taking out France’s Mathieu Bauderlique in four rounds just under a year later in Saudi Arabia. 

Szczecin’s Stepien remains unbeaten since joining the professional ranks in December 2015, with the only blemish on his 19-fight career being a draw with Marek Matyja in 2019, and the 32-year-old is ranked in the world’s top 15 with the WBO, IBF and WBA – picking up the Polish and IBF Intercontinental Light-Heavyweight Titles in 2019 and 2021 respectively. 

A stacked undercard sees Australia’s WBO Global Super-Lightweight Champion Liam Paro (23-0, 14 KOs) put his title on the line against local favourite Robbie Davies Jr (23-3, 15 KOs) following his sensational first-round KO win over fellow Aussie Brock Jarvis at the South Bank Piazza in South Brisbane last October.

One of the hottest prospects in American boxing Diego Pacheco (17-0, 14 KOs) looks to impress on his first appearance in the UK, stepping-up against Little Lever’s Jack Cullen (21-3-1, 9 KOs) in what promises to be an all-action battle for the WBO International Super-Middleweight Title. 

Romford Heavyweight sensation Johnny Fisher (7-0, 6 KOs) takes ‘The Romford Bull’ Army to Liverpool for the first time as he faces Italy’s Alfonso Damiani (6-2, 2 KOs) over eight rounds and local Light-Heavyweight Thomas Whittaker-Hart (7-1, 3 KOs) aims to avenge his first loss against Darewn’s Mickey Ellison (14-4, 5 KOs) in a rematch for the Central Area Title. 

Warrington Lightweight talent Rhiannon Dixon (7-0) squares off with Wombourne’s Vicky Wilkinson (5-0-1) for the Commonwealth Title and Oldham’s Aqib Fiaz (10-0) takes on Yeovil’s Dean Dodge (9-2-1, 3 KOs) over eight rounds at Super-Featherweight, plus there’s action for Hyde’s Campbell Hatton (9-0, 3 KOs), Chester Middleweight Paddy Lacey (7-0, 1 KO) and Billericay Middleweight George Liddard (1-0, 1 KO).

“Pawel Stepien is just what I need going into the Artur Beterbiev fight,” said Smith. “He hasn’t ever tasted defeat and he’s ranked in the top 15 by 3 governing bodies. He is certainly no walkover and I know I can’t afford to make any mistakes. The prize waiting for me should I win means you’ll be seeing the best from me on March 11.”

“We always love returning to Liverpool for one of the best atmospheres in the UK, and we’ve got a stacked card from top to bottom for you all on March 11, said Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. “Callum Smith can’t afford any slip-ups against Pawel Stepien – he’s next in line to face unified World Champion Artur Beterbiev and that’s a fight I really fancy him in if he gets past the unbeaten Pole. 

“We’re spoilt for choice with this cracking undercard, Liam Paro looked sensational last time out and Robbie Davies Jr finally gets the big fight he’s been craving. Diego Pacheco against Jack Cullen can only be fireworks and ‘The Romford Bull’ Army are going to be bringing all the noise for Johnny Fisher! Thomas Whittaker-Hart can’t afford another loss this early in his career and there’s so much more on offer. Watch it all live around the world on DAZN.”

Tickets for Smith vs. Stepien are priced £40, £60, £100, £150 and £300 (VIP).

Matchroom Fight Pass members will be able to purchase tickets from midday on Tuesday February 7. Priority ticket info will be emailed directly to eligible members ahead of the on-sale time. 

General Sale tickets can be purchased via Stage Front and the M&S Bank Arena from midday on Wednesday February 8.

Number-one ranked Liam Paro solidified his spot with a one-punch knockout of fellow undefeated Brock Jarvis in the opening round of their 12-round bout in Brisbane, Australia.

In round one, Paro landed a perfect left hand that put Jarvis flat on his back and he could not get up, and the fight was over at 2:29.

Paro, 136 lbs of Brisbane, AUS is 23-0 with 14 knockouts. Jarvis, 139.9 lbs of New South Wales is 20-1.

World-ranked heavyweight Demsey McKean stopped Patrick Korte in round three of their 10-round heavyweight bout.

In round one, Korte was cut over his right eye. In round four, McKean dumped Korte on the canvas with a left uppercut that was followed by a left and a right to the chin and the fight was over at 2:59.

McKean, 252.6 lbs of Brisbane, AUS is now 22-0 with 14 knockouts. Korte, 234.1 lbs of Germany is 18-2-1.

Syke Nicolson won a 10-round unanimous decision over Krystyna Jacobs in a featherweight bout.

In round four, Nicolson dropped Jacobs with a right hook.

Nicolson, 127.6 lbs won by scores of 100-89, 99-90 and 98-91 and is now 5-0. Jacobs, 125.1 lbs is 6-4.

Cesar Mateo Tapia scored a 10-round unanimous decision over Abdouleye Sakho in a battle of undefeated super middleweights.

Tapia, 167.2 lb won by scores of 99-91 and 97-93 twice and is now 15-0. Sakho, 167.4 lbs is 7-1.

Rocky Ogden stopped Ben Cameron Hands in the opening round of their eight-round super featherweight bout.

In the opening frame, Ogden landed a hard right to the head that sent Hands to the canvas and the bout was stopped at 2:33.

Ogden, 129.9 lbs of Gold Coast, QUE, AUS is 3-0 with one knockout. Hands, 129.2 lbs of Sunshine Coast is 3-1.

Jalen Tait stopped Rhys Evans after round six of their eight-round lightweight bout.

In round five, Tait dropped Evans with a body shot. In round six, Evans was cut over his left eye. The doctor took a look at the cut and the bout was stopped.

Tait, 134 lbs of Townsville, AUS is 10-0 with six knockouts. Evans, 134.1 lbs was making his pro debut.

Dylan Biggs remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous decision over Marko Pizzi in a junior middleweight fight.

Biggs, 153 lbs of Queensland, AUS won by scores of 80-72 twice and 78-74 and is now 7-0. Pizzi, 153.4 lbs of Sydney, AUS is 4-3.

Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Sport Chairman:

“We’re live from Brisbane as we look to talk about our first Australian show in September. Just a thrilling fight between the world No.1 at 140lbs Liam Paro and 20-0 Brock Jarvis. As well we have Demsey McKean and Skye Nicolson who is joining us today ahead of our first ever show in Australia. We’re a bit early, we’ve still got work to do but I’m here planning the show and I wanted to get everyone together, and thanks for a great turnout today here in Brisbane.

“As you know, Matchroom have a big global vision for the sport. We’re already in many territories around the world, of course the UK being our prime market, the US as well, Mexico, Italy, Spain, the Middle East. But Australia is a market that we’ve been looking at very closely, it’s a market that’s going to be very important to us. I have been around the world very aggressively, I come in peace to Australia. I come to understand your world.

“This is my first ever time in Australia and I’m having a great time this week. It’s going to be a very important market for us, I’ve been watching the great work that people have been doing in this territory, great promoters, of course one of our partners over here Angelo Di Carlo and Alfie Di Carlo, Main Events, No Limit – all doing great work here. I’m really impressed, not just by the shows, but by the talent pool as well.

“We want to bring something different, we want to bring value for money and we want to bring exposure to Australian boxing. We want to invest in the grass roots of the professional code as well. But more importantly we want to make great fights, from top to bottom on the card. I reckon we’re about a week or two weeks away from giving you all of the details you need to know about September, but one thing I promise you is a tremendous fight card.”

Liam Paro:

“This is a good platform to get more Australian fans before we get that title. But now my mind is strictly on this job and making a statement. I’ve worked my ass off to get to No.1 the hard way. I’m not going to let no kid come here and take it, I can tell you that much. Brock is a good fighter, I respect him. You don’t get to 20-0 for no reason. Like Alfie said before, the competition we have faced, you can’t compare. His 20-0 record is equivalent to my 7-0 so we’ve going to see that in September. I’ve got a statement to make. I want to be a household name in Australia, and this is another guy in my way. This is my destiny so I’m not letting him come here a wreck it – no way. We didn’t have to take this fight. We could have sat pretty at No.1 until that title came. I love to fight; this is what I do. It’s going to be a good show. Let’s get it on, I can’t wait!”

Alfie Di Carlo:

“We’re very confident. I understand that Liam has a target on his back at No.1, don’t get me wrong. It makes sense that people are looking to shortcut their career because we’ve invested a lot of time and Liam’s had a lot of great performances against international opposition and world rated fighters to get to where he is. But everyone is looking for a shortcut and that’s what I see this as, looking for a shortcut to the top. Yes, there is a big history between our families and yes, I have taken that personally because I didn’t chase this fight. But look, at the end of the day business is business, he’ll be 100% ready for this fight and he’s going to make a statement. There are different levels to it, and he’s credentialed. Have a look at the list of opponents Liam has fought compared to Brock. I think it speaks for itself. Brock is a great fighter, don’t get me wrong, but I just think Liam has had the much more experience and I think that there’s levels to it and you’ll see a boxing clinic.”

Brock Jarvis:

“I’m very grateful to get the opportunity. It almost seems unfair that I get a shot at world No.1 without even having competed in the 140lbs division but that’s just the way that it went and I’m very lucky to get the opportunity. I’m going to make the most of it. It’s unbelievable. It opens a lot of doors for me. My main focus right now is just wining the fight. I don’t really care about what comes after it. I haven’t even thought about it. It’s a big fight and it’s a tough fight – that’s all I’m worried about. It was a big fight for me going over to America. It was a great opportunity but a bit of a shaky debut, but it just happened the way it did and I learnt a whole lot from that so I’ll be better off moving forwards.”

Jeff Fenech:

“First of all, total respect to the Di Carlo family, I love them, they are my family. And Liam too, we’ve travelled with Liam, we’ve been a part of trying to help him grow with his career on occasions. This was an opportunity that when I was asked, I thought of all the positives and of course I said yes. Why did I say yes? It’s quite obvious. I said yes because I think that Brock can win.”

Skye Nicolson:

“I’m really excited. I said from the start I really want to bring my pro fights home to Australia. Obviously having that experience, having two fights in the US and two fights in the UK, it’s perfect timing to have that first title fight here on home soil. I feel like one thing that is missing from Australian boxing, we’ve definitely got the talent, but they’re just not fighting each other and I think this main event is a perfect example of what we need to do, we just need to see the best in Australia fight the best in Australia, that’s where we’re going to get those exciting nights. I’m really excited for the extra rounds. I feel like I barely get out of 2^nd gear in six rounders so I think we’ll definitely see more excitement as the rounds go on. I’m very excited for a ten rounder.”

Liam Paro and Brock Jarvis will clash in a 12-round Super-Lightweight contest as Eddie Hearn and Matchroom break new ground with their first show in Australia scheduled for September. 

Paro (22-0 13 KOs) is ranked #1 with the WBO at 140lbs and the Brisbane star will aim to kick-off Matchroom’s new era Down Under in style on his home turf. The 26-year-old inked a promotional pact with Hearn in December after seeing off the unbeaten Yomar Alamo in Tampa, Florida on his American debut.

Jarvis (20-0 18 KOs) also comes into the bout on the back of his first fight on US soil, where the New South Wales ace came out on top in a wild shoot out with Alejando Rodriguez with a fifth round stoppage in Fresno, California. The 24-year-old recorded his 18^th win inside the distance from 20 fights that night, and the fans can expect an all-action affair as Hearn and Matchroom 

“My rankings speak for themselves, I’ve taken no short cuts to get here,” said Paro. “I ain’t losing to a guy who isn’t on my level. His team will quickly realize that they’ve made the wrong move chasing a fight with me. On fight night I’ll show you why I’m rated no #1.”

“Matchroom boxing is the biggest promotional company in the world and it’s fantastic that they are coming to Australia,” said Jarvis. “I’m really proud and excited to be part of their first event here and I’m looking forward to putting on a show for everyone.”

“I’ve worked with Brock since he was a young kid and take it from me he can go all the way in this sport,” said Jarvis’ trainer, manager and former three-weight World champion Jeff Fenech. “I know what he is capable of and I wouldn’t have taken this fight if I didn’t have 100% confidence in him. It’s a great fight for Brock to take his career to the next level.”
“We are excited for Liam to be headlining Matchroom’s first ever show in Australia,” said Paro’s manager, Alfie DiCarlo. “As for the fight, Liam has worked hard to move up the rankings to #1. He did that by facing World-rated fighters and tough international competition. Brock is in for a real test; he’s bitten off more than he can chew.”

Promoter Eddie Hearn will formally unveil the first event at a press conference on Friday in Queensland, and undercard plans are already in full swing with Heavyweight star Demsey McKean (21-0 13 KOs) and Commonwealth gold medal sensation Skye Nicolson (4-0) the first fighters confirmed for the supporting cast for what promises to be a memorable night.

“I am so excited to kick-off this new era for Matchroom in Australia,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Australian fans are so passionate about sport and boxing is on the rise here, so I have no doubt that they will embrace the fight nights that we put on and join us in creating unforgettable nights that showcase this country as one of the key players for the sport globally.

“In order to put on great nights, you need to make exciting fights, and our first main event Down Under promises to be explosive stuff. Liam and Brock are only ever in thrilling bouts and the winner will be in prime position to hunt for a World title fight later in the year.”