Subriel Matías on the Tightrope: Title at Risk Due to Positive Drug Test
The reign of WBC junior lightweight world champion Subriel Matías could come to an end without even a title defense. A test conducted by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) revealed an adverse finding for the pugilist. Matías, with a record of 23-2 and 22 KOs, tested positive for a banned substance in a test prior to his title defense against Dalton Smith, scheduled for January 10 in Brooklyn. The substance detected in Matías’s body was ostarine, a drug used to enhance athletic performance. Ring Magazine was the first to report the result. The boxer has until December 1st to request an analysis of his B sample. The WBC has received notification from VADA regarding an adverse finding from a test conducted on WBC super lightweight champion, Subriel Matías. 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. Matías, 33 years old, won the title for the second time after defeating Alberto Puello in July.This positive not only endangers the January 10th fight, but could also result in the loss of the title for Matías if his B sample confirms the initial result. It is uncommon for the B sample to yield a different result.
Ostarine is the same substance that Ryan Garcia tested positive for after his fight against Devin Haney in 2024. Garcia’s victory was overturned and he was given a one-year suspension by the New York State Athletic Commission, the same entity that will oversee the Matias-Smith fight.
