Subriel Matias Returning to the Ring Against Sergey Lipinets August 26
Reigning IBF junior welterweight champion Subriel “El Orgullo de Maternillo” Matias (19-1, 19 KOs) is one the sport’s most exciting fighters and arguably the biggest puncher at 140 pounds. It appears he is getting ready to return to the ring.
According to ESPN, Matias will make the first defense of the IBF strap against Sergey Lipinets (17-2-1, 13 KOs) on August 26. The bout will air on Showtime at a site and location to be determined.
THE MAKINGS OF A SLUGFEST
Matias won the then-vacant title with a fifth-round stoppage over Jeremias Ponce in February 2023. It was nonstop action in a candidate for Fight of the Year.
The defending champion has one thing on his mind when he enters the ring; he’s looking to knock his opponent’s head off and beat them into submission. The 31-year-old from Fajardo, Puerto Rico has adequate boxing ability. But with punching prowess and an aggressive style, his fights tend to be more a test of will than skill.
Currently ranked #5 by the WBC and #15 by the IBF at 140, Lipinets is a former IBF junior welterweight champion. He defines the boxing term “seasoned veteran” and always gives an honest effort whenever he steps through the ropes. Lipinets’ last bout was an eighth-round stoppage victory over ex-WBC lightweight champion Omar Figueroa Jr in August 2022.
Both Matias and Lipinets do not like to take a backward step. They prefer to fight on the front foot and throw heavy leather. It has the making of phone-booth warfare.
The goal for Matias would be to win impressively to set up a potential unification fight with WBC champion Regis Prograis. Lipinets has visions of becoming a two-time world champion.
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