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The IBF has ordered #5 Subriel Matias and #6 Gabriel Valenzuela to begin eliminator negotiations for the light heavyweight title to decide the #1 contender to challenge new 140-pound champion Richardson Hitchins for his belt.
IBF order eliminator
Mathias, 32, has an excellent chance to return to world title contention and regain his old IBF belt which he lost a year ago with a 12 round unanimous decision loss to Liam Parro on June 15.
It will be a tough task for Valenzuela to beat Matias because he is a great puncher, and he will put constant pressure on him. Gabriel will likely follow Paro’s plan using movement, excellent clinch, pushing and other rough tactics to try and win.
Elvis Rodriguez decided not to fight Matias (21-2, 21 KOs). He would otherwise face the former IBF light heavyweight champion in a title eliminator. That’s his loss, as he’s expected to fight Iomar Alamo next.
It’s Jake Donovan reporting IBF orders Matias-Valenzuela negotiations.
Gabriel Valenzuela (30-3-1, 17 KOs) has won his last five bouts since losing to Montana Love via a close 12-round unanimous decision in Las Vegas on May 7, 2022. Valenzuela is coming off two losses to William Zepeda and Luis Hernandez Ramos.
