Alberto Puello isn’t looking past Subriel Matias, but he is looking through him.

The WBC junior welterweight champ is also looking forward to Saturday night when the The Ring hosts his title defense against Matias at Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens, New York.

Puello’s undefeated record has gained him some respect from the betting world. So much so that he’s the odds-on favorite heading in to Ring III. That isn’t the end-all be-all, but if things play out the way Puello (24-0, 10 KOs) is hoping, the remainder of 2025 could get interesting.

The 140-pound division has plenty of big names. A matchup with Teofimo Lopez sounds like fun, but so do a few others. Puello, when discussing what could be next, however, has a specific name in mind.

“I would prefer to fight Richardson Hitchins,” Puello told Boxing News.

The 27-year-old is in demand nowadays. On June 14, at The Theater in New York’s Madison Square Garden, he spent the better part of eight rounds torturing George Kambosos Jr.

Puello likes what the current IBF and Ring’s No. 1 rated 140-pounder has in his arsenal. His wide-ranging skills and overall abilities, if they clashed, should produce one of the best fights in the sport of boxing.

“I feel that with Hitchins, we could put on a great show for the fans," Puello said. "That’s what I would want. With Teofimo, I think it might be a little bit of a clash of styles.”

Having one title is awe-inspiring, but two? Hitchins (20-0, 8 KOs) isn’t likely to turn that possibility down. For years now, the former Olympian has dominated the competition. And, for the most part, he’s barely lost rounds.

Facing someone with such a bemusing style isn’t unnerving for Puello. Since he also carries an undefeated record and has the sort of confidence that can't be bought, he believes he knows exactly how to take Hitchins down.

“I think I have the ability to solve that puzzle," Puello continued. "I feel like I can beat him.”