By Graham Ilford: Erickson Lubin predicts his battle in opposition to WBC interim junior middleweight champion Vergil Ortiz Jr. will probably be a “firefight” this Saturday, November eighth, of their headliner on the Dickies Area in Fort Value, Texas.
Lubin’s Struggle Mentality
Lubin (27-2, 19 KOs) is aware of that he has no different selection however to be prepared for battle in opposition to Ortiz Jr. (23-0, 21 KOs). That’s the one means the Texas native fights. Even when Erickson tried to field and transfer like he did in his win over Jesus Ramos Jr., Vergil Jr. will lure him and pressure exchanges.
Hammer Time Once more
“Erickson Lubin vs. Vergil Ortiz, it’ll be a firefight. It’s ‘Hammer’ time,” mentioned Erickson Lubin to Fighthype about his battle this Saturday night time in opposition to WBC interim 154-lb champion Vergil Ortiz Jr. “This can be a legacy-type battle for me—a younger, undefeated, livid fighter.
“This proper right here units the whole lot up for me. I’m in my prime now. I’m excited to point out the world that I’m the #1 154-pounder in boxing,” mentioned Lubin. “I’ve been ranked with the WBC for a very long time. That’s one among my favourite belts. It’s a prestigious belt.”
Fundora Rematch Dream
It’s clear that Lubin needs the rematch with WBC junior middleweight champion Sebastian Fundora. That one is doable and winnable for Lubin. He had his moments in his battle in opposition to ‘The Towering Inferno’ Fundora on April 9, 2022, dropping him in spherical seven. Nonetheless, Fundora got here on robust within the eighth and stopped him in spherical 9.
“I sat at #1 since just about 2019 with the WBC, and I saved combating title eliminators. We determined to maneuver on and go to the IBF as a result of that offered itself. I really feel like this can be a battle that’s going to line me up for any one of many belts, and it’s going to place me #1 at 154 kilos,” mentioned Lubin.
If Erickson wins this battle, it’s going to maneuver him into place to battle the winner of the Sebastian Fundora vs. Keith Thurman battle for the WBC 154-lb title. It’s uncertain that Lubin will go within the path of IBF champion Bakhram Murtazaliev. The best way Lubin was speaking throughout this interview, he didn’t sound like he wished to battle Bakhram. That’s comprehensible. It’s a foul match-up for him.
Veteran boxing columnist Graham Ilford brings dry humor and long-earned perspective to the game.

Boxing Information 24 » – An Analyst’s Perspective » “It’ll Be a Firefight”: Erickson Lubin Predicts All-Out Struggle With Vergil Ortiz Jr. on November eighth in Texas
Final Up to date on 11/03/2025









