Subriel Matías at Risk of Losing World Title Due to Positive Drug Test
The reign of WBC junior lightweight world champion Subriel Matías could be in jeopardy without having made a single defense of his title. Matías (23-2, 22 KOs) tested positive for a banned substance in a Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) test before his title defense against Dalton Smith, scheduled for January 10 in Brooklyn. Matías’ test came back positive for ostarine, a performance-enhancing drug, a source confirmed. Ring Magazine was the first outlet to report on the substance for which Matías tested positive.Matías has until December 1st to request a test of his B sample, which his team indicated they will do, stating that they would not comment on the matter while awaiting the results of the B sample. Matías, 33 years old, won the title for the second time by defeating Alberto Puello in July. The positive result not only jeopardizes the January 10th fight, but Matías could also be stripped of his title if his B sample also tests positive. It is uncommon for the B sample to be inconsistent with the A sample. Ostarine is the substance for which Ryan García tested positive after his fight with Devin Haney in 2024. García’s victory was annulled and became a “no decision”, and he was suspended for a year by the New York State Athletic Commission. The same commission will oversee the Matías-Smith fight.The WBC has received notification from VADA regarding an adverse finding from a test conducted on WBC super lightweight champion, Subriel Matias. The WBC has initiated the investigation process according to the Clean Boxing Program protocol. I have spoken with our champion Subriel and his promoter, Mr. Orengo, and they have expressed their absolute availability and cooperation as the process unfolds.
Mauricio Sulaimán, WBC President
