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Michel Rivera is eager to face Subriel Matias for a shot at the IBF super lightweight title and is willing to do so in Matias' homeland of Puerto Rico.
Rivera (25-1, 14 KOs) has expressed his interest in fighting Matias (20-1, 20 KOs) on multiple occasions. Matias, who recently signed with Matchroom Boxing, has reportedly struggled to secure opponents, with talks with Liam Paro and Elvis Rodriguez falling through due to low purses offered for fights in Puerto Rico.
"Why do you think they haven’t announced Matias’ opponent or fight yet?" Rivera questioned. "That is because there isn’t one quality fighter that will go to Puerto Rico for the type of money they are offering.
Who is going to go to Puerto Rico for $80,000? Elvis didn’t accept it, and no one else will either. They need to get with the times and make realistic offers."
Rivera, coming off a unanimous decision win over former champion Sergey Lipinets in November, is adamant about his readiness for a title shot and is prepared to face Matias anywhere.
"I am ready, willing, and able to fight Matias anywhere, whether it’s in the U.S. or in his hometown," Rivera stated.
"I have no problem giving him a loss in front of all of his people in his hometown, but I think deep down he doesn’t want a real challenge and he is proving that to be true by making these bulls*** offers that no fighter will accept."
Matias, who fought twice in 2023, defeating Shohjahon Ergashev and Jeremias Ponce, has yet to respond to Rivera's comments. However, Rivera remains hopeful that a real offer will come his way, signaling Matias' true intent for the fight.