Matias vs Smith Can Still Happen — Conditions Named

On November 21, it became known that WBC Junior Welterweight champion Subriel Matias returned a positive doping test. Ostarine was found in the sample of the 33-year-old Puerto Rican — a year and a half ago, the same substance was found in Ryan Garcia’s system, which led to his fight with Devin Haney being ruled a no-contest and Garcia himself being suspended for a year.

According to The Ring, the fight between Matias and Dalton Smith, previously scheduled for January 10, 2026, can still take place. The New York State Athletic Commission told the outlet that the decision could be revisited.

On November 9, Matias returned a negative result after a VADA test, however the ostarine level — 0.085 ng/ml — was below the 0.1 threshold.

“The New York State Athletic Commission is aware that Mr. Matias, who is currently licensed, received a negative VADA out-of-competition test result. The reported concentration was below the current threshold applied by multiple jurisdictions, including Nevada, California, and New York.

The Commission is closely monitoring the situation, will review the results of any additional ongoing tests, and remains in communication with the relevant parties regarding the VADA report. As this matter is under review, the Commission will have no further comment at this time,” the statement said.

The WBC will also take this into account, as it announced last week that it has opened an investigation. As a result, both the WBC and the NYSAC are reviewing the matter. This is a mandatory title fight, so it will only go ahead after WBC approval.