Photos: Subriel Matias Breaks Down, Stops Shohjahon Ergashev in Six

Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas – In a battle for the IBF junior welterweight title, Subriel Matias (20-1, 20 KOs) broke down and unbeaten mandatory challenger Shohjahon Ergashev (23-1, 20 KOs) in five rounds. (photos by Amanda Westcott, Ryan Hafey)

Ergashev was coming forward and whipping some big punches in Matias’ direction. Matias wasn’t throwing that much, with Ergashev doing most of the work and landing. In the second, the jab and power shots were keeping Matias at bay. Matias began to get in close and let his hands go with inside fighting and the punches were landing.

In the third, Matias was pushing Ergashev back and was starting to really let his hands go. Ergashev was trying to hold to nullify Matias’ workrate, but that wasn’t working. During the fourth, Matias was outworking Ergashev with quick power shots. He was coming forward and pushing Ergashev back. Ergashev was taking a lot of punches in the round. 

In the fifth, Ergashev seemed to get rocked by an uppercut but was able to get away from trouble as Matias went after him. Ergashev continued to take a lot of punches.  Once the round was over, Ergashev told his corner that his right leg was injured and he was unable to continue.