Julian Smith is now the author of two major upsets in 2024.
Shohjahon Ergashev was the latest victim, as the former title challenger was outworked in a split decision defeat. One judge had it 95-94 for Ergashev, overruled by matching 95-94 cards for Smith in their DAZN-aired ten-round junior welterweight bout Saturday at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan.
A fifth-round knockdown provided the margin of victory for Smith (9-2, 5 knockouts). It should not have come down to that.