Lightweight contender Shohjahon Ergashev (23-1, 20 KOs) will be looking to bounce back from his recent defeat against IBF 140-lb champion Subriel Matias when he takes on Juan Huertas in a 10-round contest on March 28th live on DAZN. The event starts at 8:00 p.m. ET/5:00 p.m. PT.
Ergashev vs. Huertas will occur at the Wayne State Fieldhouse in Detroit, Michigan, where Ergashev now lives.
Ergashev: Focused on a Comeback
The talented southpaw Ergashev, born in Fergana, Uzbekistan, suffered a leg problem during his fight against Matias, which prevented him from fighting as hard as he had during the first three rounds of the contest. Matias took advantage of Ergashev’s leg problem to wear him down and stop him in the fifth.
It’s too bad a rematch between Ergashev and Matias couldn’t have been arranged, as that would be an outstanding main event on DAZN. Many feel that a healthy Ergahev would have beaten Matias last November if not for his leg problem.
Ergashev dominated Matias before his leg issues developed after the third round in their match in Paradise, Nevada. The loss to Matias has dropped Ergashev to the #14 spot in the International Boxing Federation’s top 15 rankings at 140. That’s a far drop for Ergahev, going from #1 to #14, as he should arguably still be in the top 10 at the very least.
Back on the Title Path
“I am excited about getting back in the ring. I am fully recovered and ready to go,” said Ergashev. “I look forward to putting on a great performance in Detroit. It’s a city where I started my U.S. boxing journey. My goal of being a world champion has never been stronger, and I will show it in my performance on March 28.”
For Ergashev to get back in position to fight for a world title, he must stay active and fight some of the top contenders in the light welterweight division if possible.
The problem is that Ergashev is a southpaw and is a dangerous puncher. Those two things will make it difficult for Ergashev to get many takers from the top-tier opposition at 140. If Ergashev’s promoter has problems finding opposition for him, he may need to face some of the contenders at 147 or 135.
“A healthy Shoh is a force to be reckoned with in the 140-pound division, and Huertas is a great test in a crossroads fight for both,” said promoter Dmitry Salita about Shohjahon Ergashev.
