A newly-crowned IBF tremendous light-weight champion Subriel Matias makes the primary protection of his title towards Shohjahon Ergashev on Saturday, November 25 at Michelob ULTRA Area in Las Vegas. The pair battles it out on the PPV card, headlined by David Benavidez vs Demetrius Andrade.
Subriel Matias (19-1, 19 KOs) claimed the vacant IBF tremendous light-weight title in February, when he stopped Jeremias Nicolas Ponce in 5 rounds. The 31-year-old native of Fajardo, Puerto Rico makes his second ring look for the yr and eyes the fifth win in a row.
“My preparations have been nice,” Matias stated at a digital press convention. “I’m wholesome and we’re heading into the house stretch earlier than the combat. I can let you know this, the combat received’t attain the ultimate bell as a result of should you take a look at the way in which each of us prefer to combat and the way our fights have gone, you possibly can count on a knockout.”
“I’m not the identical fighter as I used to be in 2020 once I misplaced my solely combat [against Petros Ananyan]. I’m method higher now. I used to be not targeted again in 2020. Now, I’m prepared to point out the followers that the champion is right here and I’m able to placed on an awesome present.”
“My expertise goes to be his downfall. That is going to be like a sport to me. Let’s see what occurs after the sixth spherical. I’ll depart it there.”
“Certainly one of us goes to fall. I promise you that. Certainly one of us goes to kiss the mat.”
“I can think about myself the perfect at 140 kilos, however I might reasonably present it. If that is yet another step on the ladder in direction of greatness, I’ll gladly take that step to get to the place I wish to be.”
“I’ve the boldness in myself to win this combat after what I’ve completed in coaching camp. However to say that I’m an enormous favourite could be assuming a number of issues contemplating that boxing is unpredictable. I’m not going to underestimate my opponent. I’m going to go on the market and bear the fruits of my preparation.”
“I’ve an awesome alternative to return again to Las Vegas and redeem myself and repair the error I made in 2020.”
“The aim is to unify subsequent. It doesn’t matter towards who. I’m going to defend my title after which I’ll be prepared for whoever comes my method.”
“I’m going to vow you fireworks. Simply take a look at our data. 19-1 with 19 KOs for me. 23-0 with 20 KOs for him. What do you suppose goes to occur? It’s going to be superior. Plus, I’m the satisfaction of Puerto Rico and I’ve to make my nation proud.”
‘Matias is an excellent fighter, who may be very aggressive’
Undefeated Shohjahon Ergashev (23-0, 20 KOs) goes via the ropes for the primary time in over yr. In his earlier bout final August, the 31-year-old southpaw of Rakhmon, Uzbekistan stopped Angel Martinez Hernandez within the fifth spherical. Detroit-based contender fights for his first world title.
“It’s been an extended journey to get right here and I’ve been coaching for this combat because the summer time,” Shohjahon Ergashev stated. “I had an awesome camp. Despite the fact that that is my first title combat, I’ve been prepared bodily and mentally for a very long time. I can’t wait to get to Las Vegas and get the fireworks began. Persons are going to see the world class expertise that I’m.”
“I’ve a number of respect for Matias. He’s a great fighter, an enormous puncher and is really a great world champion. However perceive that I’m not coming right here from the library. I’m coming right here with an enormous shock, a Thanksgiving reward for Subriel Matias. I’ve a number of respect for what he’s completed contained in the ring, however the belt is coming house with me to Uzbekistan.”
“He says for me to attend and see what occurs after the sixth spherical? Effectively, let’s see if he makes it to the sixth spherical earlier than he worries about that.”
“I’ve fought on ShoBox, however folks haven’t seen my true potential. Matias is a superb fighter and it’s going to be an thrilling combat as a result of he likes to interact. That can give me the chance to showcase my expertise and lift my sport to the subsequent degree.”
“I plan on utilizing all of my expertise to my benefit. I’ve bodily energy and boxing expertise and expertise each skilled and as an newbie. All of that is going to repay massive time.”
“My nation is supporting me and I’m the primary fighter from Uzbekistan to problem for a title on this weight class. I really feel the strain, however I’m additionally very excited. That is an fascinating combat for me as a result of most of my opponents have run from me as a result of they had been fearful of my energy. Matias is an excellent fighter, who may be very aggressive and likes to return ahead. This will likely be a enjoyable combat for the followers.”
Within the 12-round foremost occasion, undefeated two-time WBC tremendous middleweight champion David Benavidez defends his interim WBC 168-pound belt towards unbeaten two-division world champion Demetrius Andrade. Within the co-main occasion, undefeated WBC middleweight champion Jermall Charlo makes his ring return in a 10-round non-title bout towards former title challenger Jose Benavidez Jr. Within the 12-round PPV opener, Hector Luis Garcia defends his WBA tremendous featherweight title towards Lamont Roach.
Within the UK and Australia, the occasion airs reside on Sunday, November 26.