It normally doesn’t take a decade for a fighter to earn a title shot. Some have their process expedited. It could be their amateur pedigree or the notable names they knocked off en route to getting to that elite level, it all depends on the circumstances.
Shohjajon Ergashev doesn’t know what it feels like to be skipped to the front of the line. The Uzbekistan native turned pro in 2015 and simply fought whoever was placed in front of him. It didn’t matter if they were tall and lanky or had biceps the size of boulders, Ergashev (23-0, 20 KOs) usually got them out of there before the sound of the final bell.
The loud thud that ensued once his opponent’s head hit the mat, has made Subriel Matias take notice of Ergashev. Officially, the two will get it on just days after fans enjoy their turkey dinner. For the 31-year-old Puerto Rican, he’s going about his business like he always does. The heavy bags in his home gym are being torn apart from his deleterious shots, the speed bag has been ripped off the wall, and there are puddles of sweat everywhere.
The pain etched on his exasperated face isn’t because he’s having a good time during training, but it’s helped him become a world champion and one of more feared punchers around. The rest of the super lightweight division has a cast of characters. But as he continues to look over who his contemporaries are, he can’t find a single fighter who’s his equal.
In terms of Ergashev, he’s a good fighter, one that Matias respects wholeheartedly. With that said, he may have earned his place amongst the best super lightweights in the world but come fight night, he’ll quickly realize that he’s in over his head.
“He hasn’t seen an opponent with the knockout power and the skills of a Subriel Matias.”