In a few days, Erickson Lubin (27-2, 19 KOs) will challenge Vergil Ortiz Jr (23-0, 21 KOs) for his interim WBC super welterweight title. While a new title would undoubtedly be a game-changer for his career, it certainly isn’t the only thing on Lubin’s mind.
In conversation at the promotional sketch, Dare to Enter, Lubin revealed his ulterior motive to topple Ortiz’s position at 154.
“Beating somebody like Vergil, I’d basically be replacing him,” he said, “I’m one of the top dogs in this division. I feel like a lot of dudes tend to duck me or overlook me.”
Ortiz is currently the best active super welterweight according to the Ring Magazine’s rankings, while Lubin is in the 5th position. Sebastian Fundora, Israil Madrimov, and Bakhram Murtazaliev stand 2nd, 3rd, and 4th, respectively. In fact, Lubin passed up his position as the IBF mandatory against Murtazaliev to face Ortiz.
Although most fighters would aim for an explosive finish to get their message across, Lubin doesn’t care how the fight ends, provided he ends up with the belt.
“We’re not waiting for somebody to get old or not ducking each other because the money is not right. It’s going to be one of those real historical matchups,” he said. “I’ll probably stop him or win a decision. It doesn’t matter to me. Go home with a win. After this fight, they won’t be talking about Vergil. They’re going to be talking about The Hammer.”
“He Will See”
While Lubin is hopeful about his potential victory on fight night, Ortiz, on the other hand, is certain that he isn’t the nail that ‘The Hammer’ might have an easy time with. Talking on the same promotional video, Ortiz revealed that he is looking forward to proving why he is the top dog of the division.
“He took the fight, respect, but on November 8, he will see why this is my division. I want to be a fighter that all of the fans respect,” he said.
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