Shohjahon Ergashev Could Take Over for Jeremias Ponce Against Matias
The IBF junior welterweight title remains up for grabs as the boxing community awaits the rescheduling of top contenders Subriel Matias (18-1, 18KO) and Jeremias Ponce (30-0, 20KO). However, the governing sanction body could order Matias to fight the number four-ranked contender Shohjahon Ergashev (23-0, 20KO).
Matias versus Ponce was to take place for the vacant title on the undercard of former WBC heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder versus Robert Helenius on October 15. Then the boxing gods struck again as reports surfaced of the fight postponement due to the Argentinian, Ponce, having visa issues.
A NEW OPPONENT COULD BE ON THE HORIZON
Jack Catterall, the holder of the number three spot, has a rematch date with WBO champion Josh Taylor. This explains why Ergashev could get the call to stand-in depending on how long Ponce’s visa process takes.
The IBF can allow Ponce to keep his place in line by adding a stipulation that the winner between Matias and Ergashev would have to fight him next. This would give him plenty of time to sort out the visa situation.
Matias is a hard-punching Puerto Rican that made waves with back-to-back wins over undefeated prospects Malik Hawkins and Batyrzhan. In his last outing, he avenged the only blemish on his record by stopping Petros Ananyan in the ninth round in January.
Ergashev fights out of the famous Kronk Gym in Detroit under the watchful eye of SugarHill Steward. He was last seen in the ring scoring a sensational fifth-round knockout over Angel Hernandez in August.
The boxing community awaits either a decision by the IBF or the rescheduling of Matias and Ponce.
By: Garrisson Bland
