WBC Junior Middle Weight Champion, Vergil Ortiz Jr. And #10 Erickson Lubin is probably on November 8 on Dazn in the Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas.
Lubin (27-2, 19 COs) chose not to tackle IBF 154 pounds champion Bakhram Murtazaliev for his belt after the sanction body ordered the match. This is a financial decision. Instead of Erickson fighting for the IBF world title against the knockout artist Bakhram, he faces Vergil Ortiz Jr. For his interim WBC junior middleweight belt.
Lubin is chasing greater payday
According to Lance Pugmire, Lubin will receive twice the wallet he would have against the big punching Murtazaliev (23-0, 17 COs). It is not only a better agreement for Lubin, but much safer fighting for Vergil jr. Than to stand up against Murtazaliev. Fans consider the Russian Slugger as the Boogeyman in the 154-pound division.
After what Bakhram did to Tim Tszyu last year in his third round on October 19, it makes sense that Erickson in the direction of Ortiz Jr.
Mike Coppinger confirm That ortiz jr. Against Lubin is probably for November 8. We are just waiting for Dazn to make the official announcement.
Last week, Vergil jr. Still hoped to fight the WBO junior middleweight champion Xander Zayas. He said on X, “Don’t run away now, you had three days to agree and we haven’t heard anything on your side!”
Zayas poured cold water on Ortiz Jr’s offer of a fight and replied X, “Vergil Ortiz, it’s not a real offer, stop lying to your fans. The answer is yes !! Come and meet me in Puerto Rico. ‘ Xander also posted on Instagram that it should not be a 50-50 split because he is now the WBO champion and holds the full belt. Ortiz jr. Is the interim WBC 154-pound champion.
Lubin vs. Ortiz: A step down?
Fighting from Zayas to the defense of Lubin is a big step for Vergil Ortiz JR, as the interest is not so high. Florida native Lubin, 29, has already been stopped twice in the loss of Sebastian Fundora in 2022 and Jermell Charlo in 2017.
Last updated on 08/20/2025
