Matias vs Valenzuela eliminator finds streaming home on DAZN

Subriel Matias and Gabriel Valenzuela meet in an IBF eliminator on March 1.

Subriel Matias and Gabriel Valenzuela are set for an IBF super lightweight title eliminator for March 1, and it’s now official that the show will stream live on DAZN from Puerto Rico.

Matias (21-2, 21 KO) lost the IBF title in a major upset to Liam Paro last June, and bounced back with a quick, TKO-2 win over Roberto Ramirez on Nov. 9 in Bayamon. This will will be his third straight fight in Puerto Rico, having lost to Paro in Manati, and this time around he’ll be truly at home in his hometown of Fajardo.

The winner of the fight will become the mandatory challenger for Richardson Hitchins, who took the title from Paro on Dec. 7, also in Puerto Rico.

“Fighting in my hometown, in front of my people, is an honor and an extra motivation,” said Matias. “I know Valenzuela will come prepared, but I’m ready to prove why I deserve another shot at the title. Fajardo will witness a great battle.”

Valenzuela (30-3-1, 17 KO) is no pushover, either. Following a very close and debatable loss to Montana Love in 2022, Valenzuela has won five straight fights, including solid victories over Yves Ulysse Jr, Stevie Spark, and Yeis Solano. He fought twice in 2024, settling for lower-level opposition but staying busy in Venezuela and his native Mexico. He broke out a bit with his 2021 road win in London over Robbie Davies Jr.

“This fight is going to be a classic,” said Valenzuela. “I’m proud to represent my country as I fight to bring another world title back home to Mexico.”