Junior welterweight contender Shohjahon Ergashev 23-0 (20) believes his style will mesh well with IBF 140-pound champion Subriel Matias 19-1 (19) but has warned 31-year-old Puerto Rican champion he may not make it past the sixth.
Southpaw Ergashev, 31, will have the opportunity to become the first junior welterweight world champion from Uzbekistan is he can dethrone Matias when they meet at the Michelob Ultra Arena at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada on November 25.
It is a pairing of punchers that is all but guaranteed to produce fireworks.
“It’s been a long journey to get here and I’ve been training for this fight since the summer. I had a great camp. Even though this is my first title fight, I’ve been ready physically and mentally for a long time. I can’t wait to get to Las Vegas and get the fireworks started. People are going to see the world class talent that I am.
“I have a lot of respect for Matias. He’s a good fighter, a big puncher and is truly a good world champion. But understand that I’m not coming here from the library. I’m coming here with a big surprise, a Thanksgiving gift for Subriel Matias. I have a lot of respect for what he’s done inside the ring, but the belt is coming home with me to Uzbekistan.
“He says for me to wait and see what happens after the sixth round? Well, let’s see if he makes it to the sixth round before he worries about that.”
Ergashev has fought on SHOBOX before, defeating then-unbeaten Mykal Fox in 2019, but remains largely unknown to American audiences. He hopes to change that on November 25 with victory over Matias, who will be making the first defence of the vacant title he won against Jeremias Nicolas Ponce by fifth-round stoppage back in February.
“I’ve fought on SHOBOX, but people have not seen my true potential,” Ergashev said. “Matias is an excellent fighter and it’s going to be an exciting fight because he likes to engage. That will give me the opportunity to showcase my skills and raise my game to the next level.
“I plan on using all of my skills to my advantage. I have physical strength and boxing skills and experience both professional and as an amateur. All of this is going to pay off big time.
“My country is supporting me and I am the first fighter from Uzbekistan to challenge for a title in this weight class. I feel the pressure, but I’m also very excited. This is an interesting fight for me because most of my opponents have run from me because they were scared of my power. Matias is a very good fighter who is very aggressive and likes to come forward. This will be a fun fight for the fans.”
