Erickson Lubin believes fate has led him to this moment - a defining fight against Vergil Ortiz Jr. on Saturday night at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas live on DAZN.
Facing Ortiz in his home state, Lubin knows the odds and the atmosphere are against him. “I feel kind of underachieved right now,” Lubin told reporters. “I’ve seen all this before – the hype, the promotion, the big fantasy matchups. None of that matters. When we get inside that ring, that’s what matters. I know we’re in his hometown, but when we enter that squared circle, we’re in my home.”
Now 30, Lubin has endured the highs and lows of boxing’s unforgiving path. At 22, he was stopped in the first round by Jermell Charlo, then rebuilt with six straight wins before falling to Sebastian Fundora in 2022. “I went toe-to-toe with a guy who’s damn near 7-foot,” Lubin said. “That’s more demanding than Ortiz fighting Ennis. This fight is more like ‘Judgment Day’ for Ortiz, because he’s got some proving to do.”
Despite being a +550 underdog, Lubin says his experience and preparation have put him in the best position of his career. “It’s all about preparation, all about where your mind is. I’ve been tapped in all through this camp. I’m ready for destiny,” he said. “To go through what I’ve been in boxing and now find myself in his hometown, in front of all his people, I feel the victory will be so much sweeter.”
Lubin also revealed he turned down an IBF title fight with Bakhram Murtazaliev for the chance to face Ortiz, believing the bigger challenge brings greater reward. “Saying yes to the fight, I knew it was my time,” he said. “Great fight, perfect opponent, the No. 1 guy. I always pick the best. They came with the numbers, and I went straight to camp. Let’s make it happen.”
Determined to silence doubts, Lubin has only one thing left to prove - that destiny, as he calls it, has finally arrived.
Read more about Lubin vs. Ortiz Jr. event here.
Image Credit: The Ring