Shohjahon Ergashev vs Mykal Fox Pick - Boxing Prediction for 2/15

Unbeaten super lightweight prospects Shohjahon Ergashev and Mykal Fox square off in the main event of ShoBox: The New Generation on February 15, 2019 at the Kansas Star Casino in Mulvane, Kansas.

Shohjahon Ergashev (15-0 with 14 knockouts)

Shohjahon Ergashev has earned a reputation as one of the most feared punchers in the lighter weight classes. The 27 year old from Uzbekistan has won all but one of his first 15 professional fights by knockout. Ergashev made his ShoBox debut in January 2018 and won by spectacular fashion, knocking out previously unbeaten prospect Sonny Fredrickson in just three rounds for Fredrickson’s only loss to date.

Ergashev stands at 5-10 and has a reach of 71 inches while fighting out of the southpaw stance. He is a former member of the Uzbekistan National team and as a decorated amateur, he owns a win over fellow Uzbek and 2016 Rio Olympics silver medalist Shakhram Giyasov. Ergashev currently trains under Javan “Sugar” Hill Steward and Rick Phillips at Detroit’s famed Kronk Gym.

What are the Moneyline Odds?

Ergashev

-2,515

Fox

+1,365

Odds from betonline.ag as of 2/14/19

Mykal Fox ( 19-0 with 5 knockouts)

Unlike his opponent who had a fancy amateur career, Mykal Fox only had a 40-60 record as an amateur although he had two victories over unbeaten prospect Lamont Roach. But after he turned pro in 2014, Fox has transformed into an excellent boxer who utilizes his 6-4 height and 76.5 inch reach. As a result, he is unbeaten in 19 bouts with five wins by way of knockout. Fox has also earned the nickname “The Professor” for his ability to dictate fights and teach his opponents a boxing lesson.

Because he comes from a boxing family, Fox is trained by his father Troy and his older brother Alantez who also fought for ShoBox. Fox is promoted by King Promotions and his resume includes victories over notable foes like DeMarcus “Chop Chop” Corley, Ricardo Garcia and Anthony Mercado.

Who Wins?

As advertised, this one should be a clash of styles. Ergashev is a knockout artist while Fox is the boxing professor. Who gets his way here though remains to be seen. What is certain is that Ergashev will go for the knockout right from the opening bell. The sooner he hurts his opponent, the better it will be for him because the longer this fight goes, Fox could have the advantage.

While Ergashev proved in his bout against Zhimin Wang that he can go the full route and win by decision, that bout is the only one in his resume that has seen the final round bell. Ergashev almost shut out Wang in all scorecards but that was because he had a three inch advantage over his Chinese opponent. Against the 6-3 ½ Fox, he will be facing that disadvantage.

Fox doesn’t have the same bazooka hands as Ergashev and he admits that. However, he’s a smart boxer and loves to fight at a distance and dissect his opponents like a surgeon. Fox is excellent at setting the range and that’s important here because for as long as he can stay out of Ergashev’s heavy blows, he should be able to make this an interesting affair.

I’m not saying that Fox is the better boxer between the two because we haven’t really seen Ergashev need his boxing skills to win fights. If Ergashev lands his big punches, it will be interesting to see how durable Mykal Fox is. Remember Fox hasn’t faced an opponent with the same power in his punches.

On the other hand, Fox has displayed his slick boxing skills. He displayed the best of that against former world champion DeMarcus “Chop Chop” Corley whom he easily beat to a decision. Against Ergashev, look for Fox to use his long jab to keep Egrashev from getting close and movement to set his distance.

I’m thinking of Andre Ward vs Sergey Kovalev Part 1 here but then when you look at him, Ergashev is more than just a one-hit wonder. He was a decorated amateur boxer in his native Uzbekistan and won 202 of 216 amateur bouts. No, he’s not Loma-like but he’s no ordinary joe either.

I think this will be Ergashev’s biggest test so far but I also think that if he lands early, he’s going to stop Fox. But if Fox is able to weather the early storm, this could turn into an interesting dogfight. While I think this will be a close fight, I believe Ergashev has enough boxing skills to win by decision here. I like what I saw in his last fight and he showed he can box.

I’m picking Shohjahon Ergashev to beat Mykal Fox by late stoppage or by close decision.

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