So Herring goes on to snatch a title and Commey is set to snatch one in about a month from now(two guys Shafikov beat back to back winning belts only a month apart) Boxing is such a brutal and unfair sport. Timing and circumstance are such important factors when it comes to winning world titles.
As far as I'm convinced Shafikov's career is basically over at this point. He's never again going to get a favorable opportunity anytime soon, especially coming off of a draw in an 8 rounder.
Yeah I think it's over too. It went down hill post Easter. Although the Alvarado decision was complete BS(would have at the very least salvaged a draw if that BS knockdown wasn't held against him) he's shown decline in subsequent fights as well as you mentioned. Dude has been a pro for 15 years and his approaching his mid 30s. He carved a pretty solid career for himself traveling a lot and fighting much bigger men as a b side. He's lost but has never been humiliated.