DETROIT – Recent world-title challenger Shohjahon Ergashev of Uzbekistan, now living in Detroit, will face Panama City veteran Juan Huertas in a “Big Time Boxing USA” event on March 28.
The just-added 10-round super lightweight co-main event will take place at the Wayne State Fieldhouse and be streamed live on DAZN at 8 p.m.
Also announced on the undercard is a six-round super lightweight matchup between undefeated Joshua James Pagan of Grand Rapids, Michigan and Ecuador’s Luis Porozo.
Ergashev (23-1, 20 KOs), under the tutelage of renowned trainer SugarHill Steward will enter the ring for the first time since suffering his first professional defeat in a stoppage loss against Subriel
Matias for the IBF World Super Lightweight Championship in November of last year. Ergashev is looking to bounce back with a strong performance and continue his quest towards a world championship.
“I am excited about getting back in the ring 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 with my performance on March 28.”
His opponent, Huertas (17-4-1, 13 KOs), has held several national and regional championships, including the Panamanian Super Featherweight, WBA Fedecentro Super Featherweight, WBA Fedelatin Super Featherweight, and WBO Latino Lightweight titles. His most recent ring appearance came in July of last year when he scored a second-round knockout over Colombia’s Argenor Cuero.
“Fans can expect a fire filled fight since we are both known for our knockout power,” said Huertas. “I’ve been training since January staying ready. I’m glad to have a full eight-week camp for this fight.”
2021 U.S Amateur Welterweight National Champion, 24-year-old Pagan (9-0, 4 KOs) is looking to continue steady improvement in his professional career. Pagan was last seen in October of last year when he scored a unanimous six-round decision over respectable veteran Braulio Rodriguez at Motor City Casino in Detroit.
Pagan was set to face undefeated Detroit native Dwane Taylor (7-0, 7KOs) at Wayne State Fieldhouse on Feb. 20, but the bout was canceled due to Taylor getting an injury leading up to the fight. Now with a new opponent, Pagan will finally have his chance to put on a show at Wayne State Fieldhouse.
His opponent, Porozo (17-9, 9 KOs), is a 2008 Olympian who had over 500 amateur fights after starting fighting at the age of 10 in his hometown of Santo Domingo, Ecuador. Porozo was part of the Ecuadorian National Boxing team before turning pro in late 2015.
As a professional, he won his first 14 fights before going on a losing skid, albeit against top-level competition.
The card will also see 2016 Colombian Olympian Juan Carrillo(11-0, 8 KOs) putting his unbeaten record on the line against veteran Quinton Rankin (21-8-2, 16 KOs) in a 10-round light heavyweight bout.
Also on the bout sheet, IBF No. 2 super middleweight contender Vladimir Shishkin (15-0, 9 KOs) faces tough competitor, Mike Guy (12-7-1, 5 KOs) in a 10-round bout. Tickets for the live event are on sale now and can be purchased online or in-person at the Wayne State Fieldhouse Box Office.
---> ‘Big Time Boxing USA’ returns to Detroit this month with top contenders