Michel Rivera and Shohjahon Ergashev to be showcased on the undercard of Claressa Shields-Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse

The undercard for the Salita Promotions July 27 show – topped by Claressa Shields challenging WBC heavyweight titlist Vanessa Lepage-Joanisse – is taking shape. Junior welterweight contender Michel Rivera (25-1, 14 KOs) takes on Hugo Alberto Roldan (22-2-1, 7 KOs) over 10 rounds and, in the same division and over the same distance, southpaw Shohjahon Ergashev (24-1, 21 KOs) will be favored to beat Julian Smith (8-2, 5 KOs).

The 26-year-old Rivera, born in Dominican Republic and based in Miami, is ranked 13th by the WBC and is coming off a 10-round points win over Sergey Lipinets in November. Before that he was conclusively outpointed over 12 by Frank Martin back in December 2022. 

“My fans can expect a real fast, explosive Michel Rivera,” he said. “I’ve got a new team, but the same goal. And that’s to be a world champion and dominate the division.”

The 31-year-old Roldan, from La Banda, Santiago del Estero, Argentina, gave Batyrzhan Jukembayev a scare last September, dropping him in the opening round before losing a split decision over 10 rounds. His only other loss came to Joseph Adorno, also over 10, 12 months previously.

“We’ve fought twice in the United States and lost close decisions because of local favoritism,” said Roldan. “This time we are not leaving it in the hands of the judges.”

The 32-year-old Ergashev, from Detroit via Rakhmon, Uzbekistan, is also looking for an early finish. The SugarHill Steward-trained puncher has fought once, knocking out the overmatched Juan Huertas in March, since being stopped in six by then-IBF junior welterweight boss Subriel Matias at the end of 2023. 

“I am happy to be back in the ring,” said Ergashev. “I look forward to climbing back up the rankings, winning a world title and knocking out my competition. Don’t blink on July 27. I am putting on a big knockout show.”

Those unfamiliar with his opponent will likely be interested in his backstory. Born in Blue Island, Illinois, 33-year-old Smith grew up in a tough neighborhood in the South Suburbs of Chicago. Smith contracted meningitis as an infant, causing him to become deaf and he was teased, mimicked, and bullied because of his speech and hearing impairment. Despite the challenges, Smith had a distinguished amateur boxing record of 84-7 and was a two-time Chicago Golden Gloves Champion before turning professional in 2018. 

Having always had to work harder than others to succeed, Smith says he feels a victory over Ergashev will be a major step in helping him become the first deaf African American welterweight champion of the world.

“I have worked hard for this opportunity, and I intend to make the most of it,” said Smith. “Ergashev is a good fighter, but he is in the way of my dreams. I’ve been the underdog my whole life and I’m good at it. July 27 will be a big step toward my goals and I’m training harder than ever to make that happen.”