The former two-time junior welterweight champion was dethroned by Dalton Smith via fifth-round knockout on January 10 at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center.

Since then, Matias (23-3, 22 KOs) has kept to himself, but has been working away behind the scenes.

Matias, 34, believes he’s in relatively good shape and wants to return before 2026 closes, and he also wants another title shot.

“I’m about 20-something pounds over, but if God allows it, we’ll fight before December,” Matias told Caserio Boxing Kingz. “With what I’ve achieved, we can get something that comes with a title.”

Looking at the rankings, Matias’ wishes aren’t outlandish. The hard-hitting Puerto Rican checks in at No. 5 with the WBC, No. 8 with the IBF, and No. 10 with the WBO. He’s also No. 8 in The Ring’s rankings.

However, Smith is defending his WBC title against Alberto Puello on October 24, at Utilita Arena in Sheffield, England. Gary Antuanne Russell, the WBA champion, is in talks to take on Oscar Duarte, while Lindolfo Delgado and Arthur Biyarslanov are in line to fight for the vacant IBF strap. Shakur Stevenson is hoping to defend his Ring and WBO 140-pound belts against Devin Haney at a 144-pound catchweight.

At the moment, Matias is still weighing his options. One thing he isn’t doing, however, is dwelling on the past.

“In the last fight, life guided me that way,” Matias continued. “I’m used to doing that to my opponents. It was my turn.”