DETROIT (February 19, 2025) – Ahead of March 1’s IBF title eliminator between two of the top-ranked Junior Welterweights in Puerto Rican knockout artist Subriel Matías (21-2, 2 KOs) and Mexico’s hard-hitting?Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela?(30-3, 17 KOs), Salita Promotions held a virtual press conference yesterday. In addition to the evening’s main event competitors, President of Salita Promotions Dmitriy Salita joined the dais alongside reigning WBO NABO Jr. Welterweight champion Alfredo Santiago (16-2, 7 KOs).
Returning to Puerto Rico for the second time in five months, Salita Promotions has continued to showcase the rich boxing talent that resides on the island, much like it has done the past two years in the state of Michigan. With a proven track record of discovering talent throughout the greater Detroit and Flint, Mich., region, Dmitriy Salita continues to give up-and-coming talent a global platform to perform.
Tickets on sale now at Ticketera.com.
Dmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions
“Saturday, March 1, live on DAZN with our partners at Fresh Promotions, we’re going to bring an electrifying night of boxing from Fajardo, Puerto Rico, where skill, heart and determination collide. We’re committed to delivering world-class fights and developing world-class fighters. This event continues the storied rivalry between Puerto Rico and Mexico. Two nations that have produced some of the greatest fights in the sport, particularly in this weight class.”
“Our main event will feature Subriel Matías vs. Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela as they fight in an IBF title eliminator. This high-stakes fight will be accompanied by other incredible talent in the 140-lb division as Alfredo Santiago takes on Javier Fortuna. Additionally, Nestor Bravo squares off against Xolisani Ndongeni for the WBA Intercontinental Junior Welterweight title.”
Subriel Matías, No. 3-ranked IBF Junior Welterweight
“I am extremely excited to be able to perform in front of my home country once again. I have not fought in front of my people since November of 2019. Especially with the title implications that come with this fight, this is a very big opportunity.”
“I do not feel too much pressure from outside of the ring. I put the pressure on myself because I understand that my opponent is strong and the rivalry between our countries has always been strong. This is a great opportunity for me to fight for a title shot and I will be looking for a win via knockout. We are both very powerful fighters, and I know for a fact that this fight will end in a knockout. I promised myself the day I lost the title that I would regain it.”
“Most of my family and friends have followed my career wherever I have fought and watched. However, this particular fight is extraordinary because I can perform it in front of my community, including everyone who has watched me grow up. These are the same people who see me hit some bumps in the road, so having this fight here is the cherry on top.”
“As long as I keep winning, those big fights will come to me. The fans will continue to call for those big fights.”
Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela, No. 4-ranked IBF Junior Welterweight
“This is a great opportunity. I am very happy and motivated because my team has worked for many years for me to get seen. What better way to be seen than being in the new edition of Mexico vs. Puerto Rico, a rivalry that has given us some of the greatest battles in history.”
“I worked many years for this opportunity. The purse is not that important to me right now. The money will come. The most important thing right now is the opportunity to win, and fight for the title. Obviously after I do that, I can work on the money. But right now, the mission is to get the title.”
“Every single fight is different. It’s a completely different story once you walk into the ring. We are prepared for this fight. We want to control the fight and finish it by knockout. Sometimes you have to make adjustments in the ring, and I am prepared to do that. Every fight will call its own story.”
Alfredo Santiago, WBO NABO Junior Welterweight champion
“I am very happy to be able to fight where I live. It’s exciting to be fighting alongside my teammate Matías.”
“In this fight, I will need to utilize all of my resources. I am completely aware of who I am facing. Fortuna is a very well well-seasoned fighter. He’s a former champion and has fought across multiple weight divisions. He is very strong, but I am preparing for that. We are ready for Saturday, March 1.”
