Subriel Matias And Coach Jay “Panda” Najar Part Ways After Title Loss

Former WBO light welterweight world champion Subriel Matias broke off his relationship with Mexican coach Jay “Panda” Najar.

Matias (20-2, 20 KOs) was dethroned by Liam Paro last month, losing a twelve-round unanimous decision on June 15th in front of his fans in Manati, Puerto Rico. It was Matias’ first fight with Matchroom Boxing.

Matias Needs to Regroup and Re-strategize

The 32-year-old Matias must now return to the gym if he wishes to continue to be one of the top fighters in the 135-lb division.

Matias’ style is all offensive and exciting to watch. He’s the type of boxer fans want to see every weekend and should be able to turn things around.

A Delicate Balance: Offense vs. Defense

Matias must balance his defense and offense because he was vulnerable against Liam Paro. There is no doubt that the battle-hardened fighter who goes to the front lines is what boxing fans want to see. Promotional companies are looking for young people with these qualities to sign them and turn them into big boxing stars.

However, Matias must learn to defend herself a little more. Boxers with similar styles are short-lived. Ruslan Provodnikov and Brandon Rios are two examples of aggressive fighters who had short careers at the top due to their aggressive fighting styles.

Due to the number of blows received, they often end up with severe and obvious health problems. You can’t exchange health for money.

Najar’s Farewell and Zepeda’s Rising Star

“I am super grateful to the former world champion, a good guy in all aspects of the word,” said Najar on Facebook. “Thanks for all the thanks for giving me the satisfaction of having my first champion. You know you are loved very much. We have become family brothers. Enjoy your family, Champion; enjoy your daughters. You deserve it.

“Thank you for all the love you gave my family, my father, and all my staff. The Lord bless you today and always. Here, a brother, Mexico -Puerto Rico, we made history. We managed to bring together two beautiful and boxísticos countries in a union. Mexico adores you.”

Najar also trains Mexican lightweight contender  Williams “Camaron’ Zepeda, who is coming off a third-round knockout victory against Giovani Cabrera last Saturday at the Toyota Center in Ontario, California.

Zepeda’s victory could open the doors for a world title shot against WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson. Zepeda’s promoter, Oscar De La Hoya, wants to see him face the best at 135.