MATIAS: I’M AN ANIMAL – AND PARO IS MY PREY
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 12 Jun 2024
IBF King ready to pounce on Aussie in homecoming defense on Saturday
Subriel Matias says training camp turns him into an animal – and Liam Paro is his prey as the pair meet for Matias’ IBF World Junior-Welterweight title at Coliseo Juan Aubin Cruz Abreu in Manati, Puerto Rico on Saturday night, live worldwide on DAZN.
Matias (20-1 20 KOs) makes the second defense of his title in his first fight on home turf since November 2019, and the 32 year old is itching to get his hands on Paro and put on a show for his adoring fans.
Paro (24-0 15 KOs) fights for his first World title on Saturday night and does so in the toughest of circumstances – on the doorstep of one of the most avoided fighters on the planet. For Matias, Saturday night is his time to be let off the leash, not just after a long training camp, but also for the first time in a ring in Puerto Rico for 1660 days – and he believes a savage performance is incoming to prove that he’s the top dog at 140lbs.
“During camp I feel like an animal trapped in a cage,” said Matias. “The confinement, the day-to-day nuisances, being away from my family. This creates a monster that grows inside me during camp. I leave camp as an animal, in search of my prey, and this time, that’s Liam Paro.
“There is no-one in the 140lb division that can beat me. It might should arrogant, but I’ll show you. I trust myself and what I do, and that’s makes me dangerous. My mind is my weapon.
“As far as I know, he’s been knocked down a couple of times. I don’t want to knock him down; I want him to suffer and leave a strong message to the division. I know Liam is strong, he’s brave, he has good technique. But he also has a big mouth.
“I’m preparing myself to take damage, and to inflict damage. They want to take away the beans from my family, and we can’t allow that. We’ve put in a lot of effort to be here, and I cannot lose everything in one day. That’s why I have to make these sacrifices.
“I’m the best in the division at 140lbs. There is no second, third or fourth. I’m everything. I’m one, two three and four. I’m scared, but it’s a fear that I enjoy. I just hope that nerves don’t betray me so I can do what I’ve been doing all these years, satisfy my crowd.
“I’ve been dreaming of this moment since I was a kid. I’ve always said that I see myself unified in the division. Many say I am crazy, but I like it, one day they will open their eyes and i will be unified champion. They will have to give it to me.”
Matias’ clash with Paro tops a stacked night of action in Puerto Rico, where Angel Fierro faces Alfredo Santiago for the WBO NABO Jr. Welterweight title and Yankiel Rivera meets Victor Sandoval for the WBC and WBA Continental Americas and WBO Intercontinental Flyweight titles – and new Puerto Rico signings Stephanie Piñeiro and William Ortiz continue their pro journeys.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
LIVERPOOL FIGHT WEEK: PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES IN FULL AS WHITTAKER GETS READY FOR TOUGH SUAREZ TEST – LIVE ON DAZN
Fri, 17 Apr 2026Ancajas to fight as feather against Garcia on April 18
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 17 Apr 2026MVP presents Delgado-Artiga by WBA superflyweight championship on June 13 in Orlando
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Fri, 17 Apr 2026Mexican legend Miguel Canto passes away
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Fri, 17 Apr 2026King Lovick Monteadora to see action in 2026 Hainan Taekwondo Open
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 17 Apr 2026Quiñonero suffers injury, cancels debut in Juego Todo
By Lito delos Reyes, Fri, 17 Apr 2026Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaiman: A Great Night of Boxing in Japan
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Fri, 17 Apr 2026FOSTER DEFENDS WORLD SUPER-FEATHERWEIGHT TITLE AGAINST FORD IN HOUSTON ON MAY 30
Fri, 17 Apr 2026Tickets ON SALE NOW for Keyshawn Davis-Nahir Albright II at Norfolk’s Scope Arena
Fri, 17 Apr 2026Nothing But Sportz and Ronald Johnson’s Dream Team Foundation to Donate 500 Tickets to Miami Youth for Historic May 2 Fight Night
Fri, 17 Apr 2026CHARLIE SHEEHY PENS PROMOTIONAL PACT WITH MATCHROOM
Fri, 17 Apr 2026BEN WHITTAKER OPENS UP ON HIS AMERICAN DREAM, CALL-OUTS AND HEADLINING IN 'SPECIAL CITY' LIVERPOOL THIS SATURDAY – LIVE ON DAZN
Thu, 16 Apr 2026IBA partners with Global Boxing Series for landmark fight night in Navi Mumbai
Thu, 16 Apr 2026IM Arca finishes 2nd in Thailand Blitz
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 16 Apr 2026Cebuano "Money Punch" Elmo Traya Heading to Georgia for WBF World Title Shot!
By Carlos Costa, Thu, 16 Apr 2026