Governor welcomes new world champion of the World Boxing Council

The governor of Puerto Rico, Jenniffer González Colón, welcomed world boxing champion Subriel Matías Matthew on Friday for the official presentation of the World Boxing Council (WBC) World Champion belt.

By The Star Staff

The governor of Puerto Rico, Jenniffer González Colón, welcomed world boxing champion Subriel Matías Matthew on Friday for the official presentation of the World Boxing Council (WBC) World Champion belt. The moment marks a historic milestone, as it is the first time in history that the WBC has presented a title on Puerto Rican soil.

“Today we celebrate the triumph of an extraordinary athlete and, above all, the indomitable spirit of our Puerto Rican youth. Subriel Matías’s historic feat is proof of the talent, discipline, and passion that thrive in our communities. Receiving this belt in Puerto Rico, for the first time in WBC history, is a source of deep pride. Honoring Subriel at La Fortaleza is not just a tribute to his victory, but a clear message: Puerto Rico believes in its youth, in the power of sports, and in the transformation born from effort and excellence,” stated González Colón, who also presented the boxer with a proclamation recognizing his achievement.

Matías, a native of Fajardo, became world champion in the 140-pound division on July 12 after defeating Dominican boxer Alberto Puell at the iconic Louis Armstrong Stadium in New York. This victory makes him the first Puerto Rican to win a WBC title in this weight class, cementing his place among the greats of global boxing.

The ceremony was attended by WBC President Mauricio Sulaimán, who personally presented the iconic green and gold belt. The gesture highlights the caliber of the athlete and the international organization’s commitment to supporting the development of sports on the island. Also in attendance were Alberto Guerra, President of the Central American Boxing Federation (Fecarbox); Edgardo López Sasso, WBC representative in Puerto Rico; Speaker of the House Carlos “Johnny” Méndez; Carolina District Senator Héctor Joaquín Sánchez; Senator Rafael “Rafy” Santos, Chair of the Youth, Recreation, and Sports Committee; Department of Recreation and Sports Secretary Héctor Vázquez Muñiz; and Deputy Secretary Miguel Laureano.

The boxer was accompanied by his wife Yachari Lee Benabe Rosado, his daughters Subrielyz, Darianys, and Ahmedlia, his promoter Juan Orengo, his manager Pedro Cruz, and his trainer Nelson Adams Jr.

“Fajardo is known for its great boxers. Today, Subriel Matías Matthew joins that list of exceptional fighters from Fajardo who have elevated Puerto Rico’s name through their performance in the ring. The newly crowned WBC World Champion at 140 pounds is a shining example of dedication and commitment, both in and out of the ring,” said Speaker of the House Carlos “Johnny” Méndez, who also represents District #36, which includes Río Grande, Luquillo, Fajardo, Ceiba, Vieques, and Culebra.

“Subriel Matías has become a symbol of hard work and perseverance. What’s more, all of his training was done in one of our newly renovated municipal boxing gyms, where hundreds of children and youth witnessed his preparation. In Maternillo, Fajardo, and throughout Puerto Rico, we are proud of our new world champion, and Subriel knows he can always count on us,” said Fajardo Mayor José Aníbal Meléndez Méndez.

The governor emphasized the importance of honoring athletes in official settings such as La Fortaleza: “Recognizing our athletes in official spaces like this sends a powerful message of support for sports and our youth. This event represents a proud moment for all of Puerto Rico.”

Meanwhile, Secretary of Recreation and Sports Héctor Vázquez Muñiz highlighted the social impact of sports on the island: “This is a day that will go down in Puerto Rico’s sports history. Subriel Matías’s triumph honors the legacy of our great champions and opens a new chapter full of possibilities for future generations.”