Erickson Lubin says he feels it’s his time and he’s ready to defeat interim WBC junior middleweight champion Vergil Ortiz Jr. in 18 days on November 8. Lubin (27-2, 19 KO) knocked down Ortiz Jr. (23-0, 21 KOs). He didn’t show that he was afraid of him.
Third time, last chance
Ortiz Jr.-Lubin will compete in the 12-round main event of the Golden Boy-promoted event on DAZN at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas. For Lubin, this will be the third attempt to win the world title after unsuccessful defeats in the break against Sebastian Fundora and Jermell Charlo.
“I think he’s a great fighter, but I feel like now is my time. I feel like I’ve faced the toughest guys in the division and I’m ready to prove it,” said Erickson Lubin. Golden Boy Boxingtalking about his fight with Vergil Ortiz Jr., which took place on November 8. “He’s my third undefeated fighter in a row and he’s in the top ten.”
The two undefeated fighters Erickson recently defeated are: Ardreal Holmes Jr. and Jesus Ramos Jr. They are good, but not at Ortiz Jr.’s level. or any of the top players like Jaron “Boots” Ennis and Sebastian Fundora. When Lubin was tested against Fundora, he was stopped in the ninth round on April 9, 2022. Erickson did a good job coming back from that loss, but he hasn’t fought any A-level or elite-level opponent.
Ortiz Jr. doesn’t give up
“It was really tough to get fights. I haven’t fought since February [Israil Madrimov]and we tried,” said Vergil Jr. I’m very glad we have him, especially since someone is calling me names. I don’t see it as disrespect. I see it as, “I think you’re a good fighter. Let’s keep going.”
It’s understandable why top contenders and their promoters have shown no interest in fighting Vergil Jr. He has already shown how tough he is since moving up to 154 in January 2024 by defeating these four fighters:
- Israil Madrimov – UD 12
- Serhii Bohachuk – MD 12
- Thomas Dulorme – KO 1
- Fredrick Lawson – TKO 1
Ortiz Jr. he should have given Serhii Bohachuk a rematch if he was desperate for a fight. He would probably accept immediately if he was offered a second chance to face Vergil Jr. again.
The fight Vergil Jr. wanted. and his band, took place with Jaron “Boots” Ennis, but it never happened. Fortunately for Ortiz, he had to wait just nine months from his last fight against Israil Madrimov on February 22 before he faced Lubin on November 8. It’s a lot better than sitting out of the ring for 13 months.
Tom Galm has been energetic on the global boxing scene since 2014, specializing in heavyweight analysis, business trends and fighter psychology.