Erickson Lubin says he feels it’s his time, and he’s ready to challenge WBC interim junior middleweight champion Vergil Ortiz Jr. to be defeated within 18 days on November 8. Lubin (27-2, 19 KOs) defeated Ortiz Jr. (23-0, 21 KOs) called out. He showed no fear of him.
Third time, final chance
Ortiz Jr.-Lubin will meet in the 12-round main event in a Golden Boy-promoted event on DAZN at the Dickies Arena, Fort Worth, Texas. This will be Lubin’s third attempt at a world title after falling short in losses to Sebastian Fundora and Jermell Charlo.
“I think he’s a great fighter, but I feel now is my time. I feel like I’ve faced the toughest guys in the division, and I’m ready to prove myself,” Erickson Lubin said. Golden Boy Boxingand talks about his fight against Vergil Ortiz Jr. on November 8. “This is my third undefeated fighter in a row, and a top 10 contender.”
The two undefeated fighters that Erickson has beaten recently are Ardreal Holmes Jr. and Jesus Ramos Jr. They are good, but not at the level of Ortiz Jr or any of the top guys, 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 of coming back from that loss, but he didn’t fight any A-level or elite-level opposition.
Ortiz Jr. No virtue
“It was very difficult to get fights. I haven’t fought since February (Israil Madrimov), and we tried,” said Vergil Jr. I’m very glad we got one, especially someone who called me out. I don’t see it as a lack of disrespect. I see it as, ‘I think you’re a good fighter. Let’s get it on.’”
It is understandable why the top contenders and their promoters have shown no interest in fighting Vergil Jr. He’s already shown how tough he is since moving up to 154 in January 2024 and beating these four fighters:
- Israil Madrimov – UD 12
- Serhii Bohachuk – MD 12
- Thomas Dulorme – KO 1
- Fredrick Lawson – TKO 1
Ortiz Jr. should have given Serhii Bohachuk a rematch if he was desperate for a fight. He probably would have immediately agreed if he was offered a second opportunity to play Vergil Jr. again.
The fight that Vergil Jr. and his team wanted was against Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis, but it never happened. Fortunately for Ortiz, he only had to wait nine months since his last fight against Israil Madrimov on February 22nd for him to fight Lubin on November 8th. It’s much better than sitting out of the ring for 13 months.
Last updated on 21/10/2025
