How good Alberto Puello is will likely be answered on July 12.

The undefeated WBC junior welterweight champion will make the second defense of his title on The Ring’s pay-per-view card next month when he faces Subriel Matias at Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens, New York. Puello (24-0, 10 KOs), of San Juan de la Maguana, Dominican Republic, was elevated to full WBC junior welterweight champion after winning the interim belt via split decision over Gary Antuanne Russell on June 15, 2024. He previously held the WBA junior welterweight title, but a failed drug test for Clomifene led to him being stripped of the belt in 2023.

Puello vs Matias pits an intriguing clash of contrasting styles. Puello is more than apt to stick and move and counter his opponent, while Matias’ (22-2, 22 KOs) nonstop pressure and volume have overwhelmed every opponent he has defeated.

If their styles mesh and both fighters are jockeying for momentum throughout the fight, that could pave the way for Puello vs Matias to steal the show on July 12, with the winner escaping with arguably the best win of their career.

Last fight: Won a 12-round split decision over Sandor Martin in his first defense of his WBC junior welterweight title on March 1 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

Odds: Puello is a slight underdog at -105 against Matias (-125), according to DraftKings.

How does Puello win? Puello, 30, doesn’t need to look far for a blueprint on how to beat Matias.

When Matias of Fajardo, Puerto Rico, lost his IBF junior welterweight title via unanimous decision to Liam Paro on June 15, 2024, it was because he was out-boxed and out-maneuvered. Paro, who is also a southpaw, used his quicker feet to keep Matias, 33, turning and constantly let his faster hands go to make the knockout specialist pay. Keeping Matias from setting his feet and pushing him back at times also kept him from using his volume and pressure to take control of the fight.

Puello would be wise to implement a similar game plan to Paro. If he can stay on the move and walk Matias into shots from distance while also limiting his output, that’ll go a long way toward setting him up to earn the victory.

What it means if he wins: Puello’s wins over Gary Antuanne Russell and Martin are widely viewed as decisions that could have gone either way. A clear victory over Matias would help silence the doubt that remains surrounding where Puello stands at junior welterweight despite having a title.

What they’re saying: “Matias is an attacker-puncher, and a brilliant one. [Puello has] defensive skill and an all-around game. It’s a great matchup and I can't wait to see it.” - Jim Lampley

TV/Stream: DAZN Pay-Per-View; $59.99 in the U.S. (6 p.m. ET); £24.99 in the UK (11 p.m. BST).