When Dmitry Salita first signed Subriel Matias to a co-promotional deal with Salita Promotions, he knew he wanted to take the former junior welterweight titleholder to the proving grounds of many past Puerto Rican champions.

New York has been home away from home for many of the country's best fighters, though Matias hadn't fought in the Big Apple before Saturday. New York's Louis Armstrong Stadium served as the picturesque backdrop for a career-best win, earning a 12-round majority decision nod over Alberto Puello to become the WBC junior welterweight champion.

The win made Matias a two-time junior welterweight titlist.

"When you set out plans and they come to fruition, it feels good," Salita told The Ring. "This is one of those moments. We promoted a fight in Fajardo, Puerto Rico - his hometown - and then, the goal was to bring him to New York City, to connect to the Puerto Rican community.

"Puerto Rican stars only really come into their own when they are in touch with the rich, passionate New York community. It couldn't have been a better night. On any given night, he's the world's best junior welterweight and now fits right into big super fights with any other names. He reminds me a lot of Tito Trinidad, he's humble, the people's champion and I believe still has several years of these incredible peak performances at the highest level."

It was a nip-and-tuck affair, as Matias (23-2, 22 KOs) found success with his relentless pressure and volume, while Puello (24-1, 10 KOs) also controlled stretches of their contest with his movement, counterpunching and ability to stifle the challenger's attacks.

In six of their 12-round affair, Matias and Puello were separated by four or fewer punches landed and that closely-contested exchanges was evidenced in the post-fight numbers.

Matias landed 255 of 766 punches (33%), while Puello connected on 267 of 735 (36%), with five less power shots recorded (210-205). Ultimately, Matias' relentless aggression and pressure were enough for him to get the nod, as he won by a round (115-113) on judges Ron McNair and Tony Paolillo's scorecards, while Frank Lombardi scored it a draw at 114-114.

As the sweat was still dripping from Matias' brow after a competitive battle, ending his vaunted knockout ratio in victory, His Excellency Turki Alalshikh announced the 33-year-old would be making his first title defence against WBC mandatory challenger Dalton Smith (18-0, 13 KOs) on the Ring IV card come November 22 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

While Salita knew there was a strong likelihood that Smith would be next, admitted he didn't expect it to be announced when it was - much like the 28-year-old's promoter Eddie Hearn.

"It was a surprise that it happened right then and there," Salita said. "It is what it is, a great opportunity for [Matias] and will allow his star to rise to the next level."

Salita said there haven't been further conversations about Matias-Smith since Alalshikh's announcement, but seeing as we're still four months away, there's no reason why that fight won't be next as advertised.

"I think that Dalton is a solid guy, but Subriel is on a different level physically. I think that past round four or five, that pressure and consistency... I believe Dalton is a good fighter and anything can happen, but [Matias is] definitely the clear favourite."

Sheffield's Smith retained his status as the WBC's mandatory challenger after a 12-round unanimous points win over Mathieu Germain on April 19. The six-year pro began 2025 with an emphatic 1st-round finish of Walid Ouizza for European honours while notching a 5th-round stoppage over former 140-pound world title challenger Jose Zepeda in March 2024.

While fighting in November is a relatively quick turnaround by today's standards - especially for a world champion - Salita isn't too worried. He believes a second title reign will only add fuel to Matias' fire for a quick return as he seeks more legacy-enhancing fights.

"I think Subriel being a world champion, the spirit in you grows and you get encouraged and you feel great," Salita said. "With it comes better paydays and better visibility. I believe that he's a hero. He's a champion now, he'll enjoy it and feel good about coming back."