The Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) has notified the WBC that an adverse analytical finding for a banned performance enhancing substance was found in the system as a result of a test administered to WBC 140-pound champion Subriel Matias. Matias was scheduled to defend his title on January 10th against Dalton Smith. The WBC confirmed that, in accordance with the protocols established by its Clean Boxing Program, it has commenced a formal investigation process into this matter.Acc ording to the WBC website, "WBC president [Mauricio Sulaiman] has been in contact with Matias and his promoter, Mr. Orengo, both of whom have expressed their absolute availability and full cooperation as the process unfolds. The WBC stresses that no further comments will be made at this time while the investigation and due process are carried out under the CBP guidelines." 

 

PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE

 

NOV. 6, 2025: The WBC junior welterweight championship bout between the Puerto Rican champion Subriel Matías (pictured) and the top-ranked British challenger Dalton Smith will take place at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York on Saturday, January 10th. It will be promoted by Juan Orengo's Fresh Productions. A press conference to formally announce the event will take place at the venue itself and will be open to the public on Monday, November 10th beginning at 12 noon. Matías and Smith will both be in attendance and the press conference will also be streamed live on Fresh Productions Boxing’s Facebook and YouTube channels.

 

OCT. 3, 2025: The WBC reports that Puerto Rico's Subriel Matías will defend his WBC junior welterweight title against Britain’s Dalton Smith on January 10th in New York at a venue still to be confirmed. Matías (23-2, 22 KOs) captured the WBC belt on July 12th when he defeated Dominican Alberto Puello by majority decision. It was the first time in his career that the Puerto Rican secured a victory on the scorecards as all his other wins came by way of KO. Smith (18-0, 13 KOs), on the other hand, arrives undefeated and on a rapid rise in the division. The Englishman reached world level in 2024 by knocking out José Zepeda, and in 2025 he added further international experience.