Puerto Rican Pride: Subriel Matías and Amanda Serrano named top boxers of 2023

Puerto Rican boxers, Subriel Matías, at the left, and Amanda Serrano, were recognized as "Boxer of the year 2023," by the International Boxing Federation (IBF) in their category. (Image via capture subrielmatiaspr and serranosisters).

By Mivette Vega

May 14, 2024

The boxers are training for two important fights in their respective careers.

Puerto Rican boxer Subriel Matías has been recognized as “Boxer of the year 2023,” by the International Boxing Federation (IBF).

According to experts, Matías is considered one of the hardest hitters on the current boxing scene.

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The boxer was unable to attend the ceremony where he would be awarded the recognition, as he is training in Mexico for his next fight.

His promoter, Juan Orengo, received the recognition.

“More than receiving it personally, it is knowing that they took me into account for the award. Grateful for the work that Juan Orengo has done, thank God for putting him on my path and fulfilling his promise,” Matías told El Nuevo Día via telephone.

The upcoming 15th of June marks a significant milestone for Matías as he prepares to defend his 140-pound IBF title against the undefeated Australian, Liam Paro, in a highly anticipated showdown set to take place in Manatí.

Known as “El Orgullo de Maternillo,” Matías will return to fight on the island after nearly five years. His last fight in Puerto Rico dates back to Nov. 30, 2019, when he delivered a knockout victory against Argentine boxer Jonathan José Eniz at the Coliseo Tomás Dones in Fajardo, his hometown.

Amanda Serrano won the same recognition from the IBF in the female branch, being recognized as “Female Boxer of the Year 2023.”

The boxer is the current featherweight champion in four boxing organizations.

“Very happy, this recognition is an honor for all the champions, I am one of the champions and I am super proud,” Serrano told EFE, when she received the award.

Serrano is preparing for her next fight, on July 20 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, against Ireland’s Katie Taylor, in the rematch of their fight from two years ago.

“I’m preparing hard and I know I’m going to win,” Serrano said.

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The rematch between Serrano and Taylor will be broadcast on Netflix, and follows the controversial split division of the fight they had on April 30, 2022 at Madison Square Garden, in New York, for the unified championship of the 135-pound division.

With that fight, Serrano will return to the ring. The fight she had sold out at the Puerto Rico Coliseum against Nina Meinke was canceled at the beginning of March, after she got a chemical substance in her eye.

Author

Mivette Vega

Mivette Vega is a seasoned journalist and multimedia reporter whose stories center the Latino community. She is passionate about justice, equality, environmental matters, and animals. She is a Salvadorrican—Salvadorian that grew up in Puerto Rico—that has lived in San Juan, Venice, Italy, and Miami.

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