On January 2, 2025, Bob Arum, president of Top Rank, announced that Teofimo Lopez is set to face Subriel Matias on March 15. Notably, this bout will not be a pay-per-view event on ESPN. While the exact reasons for this decision are unclear, it may be influenced by Matias' recent loss of his IBF super lightweight title to Liam Paro in June 2024, followed by a comeback victory. Additionally, Lopez has not fought in six months, with his most recent bout against Steve Claggett (38-7). These factors might have led Arum to opt against a PPV event, considering the potential challenges in generating significant sales.
However, this decision could be advantageous for fans. With the fight airing on ESPN instead of being behind a paywall, more viewers will have access without the need for a PPV purchase, potentially increasing the fight's audience. Despite the PPV status, the matchup between Lopez and Matias is expected to be an exciting contest, and fans can look forward to an action-packed event.