SUBRIEL Matias is a world champion once again after the Puerto Rican puncher took hold of Alberto Puello’s WBC super-lightweight title in New York last night. It was a battle of conflicting styles, with Matias’ persistent pressure-punching catching the eyes of the judges.
Frank Lombardi scored it a draw at 114-114 while Ron McNair and Tony Paolillo both totalled 115-113 to the new 140-pound champ by majority decision. Winning a distance fight for the first time in his career, Matias improved to 23-2 (22 KOs), emerging from the wilderness that he had been consigned to since losing his previous world strap to Liam Paro.
Puello 24-1 (10 KOs) will now need to tread a similar road after suffering his first loss. It was an action-packed affair that saw patient Puello pick away from the ropes as Matias steamrolled forward, suffocating by closing the space.
Every head and body shot was thrown with malicious intentions. Dominican Puello could easily have snatched the decision. The commentary team felt he had indeed done enough.
Referee Eric Dali earned his corn as both men held, grappled and hit after the bell in some rounds. A Puello uppercut late in the 11th was the most eye-catching punch of the evening.
Given the close nature, a rematch would be warmly received. However, Matias has a defence already lined up as Sheffield’s Dalton Smith emerged for post-fight photos and a face-off to challenge the new champion.
