Zoroark
Zorua is found sooner than Axew, gains boosted experience, and evolves much earlier than Haxorus. It boasts a high Speed stat — faster than Haxorus — along with massive Special Attack and an excellent movepool, including U-turn, Flamethrower, Dark Pulse, and Grass Knot. Illusion is useful against Caitlin if used strategically. However, Zoroark is extremely frail. Additionally, because it's a gift Pokemon, you have to contend with obedience.
Haxorus
Axew is found slightly later than Zorua but becomes an absolute powerhouse with 147 base Attack once fully evolved. It has decent Speed and access to great moves like Dragon Dance, Dragon Claw, Strength, Poison Jab, and Aqua Tail, making it a menace in the late game against opponents like Ghetsis, Drayden, and Iris. With Mold Breaker, it easily bypasses Sturdy on the many Roggenrola and Boldore you’ll encounter. However, Axew evolves much later and it isn’t particularly useful in its early stages.
I'd go with Haxorus. It's a beast, and it helps a lot more in the long run than Zoroark does. Here's a set:
Haxorus
Ability: Mold Breaker
- Dragon Dance
- Dragon Claw
- X-Scissor
- Rock Slide / Return
Hope I helped!
