Erickson “The Hammer” Lubin punched his ticket to a third world‑title shot by stopping Ardreal Holmes Jr. in the 11th round of Saturday’s IBF final eliminator at the Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee, Florida. The victory elevated the 29‑year‑old Floridian to mandatory‑challenger status for Bakhram Murtazaliev’s IBF super‑welterweight crown.
Lubin wasted no time calling out the unbeaten Russian champion on the DAZN microphone: “Bakhram, stop hiding! You’ve got until May 18. Let’s sign the deal and get it done.” The ultimatum lit up social media, with Lubin insisting he will “box - and bang” to expose Murtazaliev’s perceived limitations.
Murtazaliev has looked anything but limited. After lifting the vacant belt from Jack Culcay in Germany last year, the 27‑year‑old southpaw flattened former WBO champ Tim Tszyu four times in three rounds this past October, cementing himself as the division’s new force. His team, however, has struggled to lure elite dance partners - partly because the IBF’s second‑day weigh‑in caps rehydration at ten pounds, a rule many big 154‑pounders dislike.
Critics question whether Lubin can survive that scale‑bound slugfest. He was iced in one round by Jermell Charlo in 2017 and withdrawn by his corner after nine brutal rounds with Sebastian Fundora in 2022, while last year’s decision over Jesús Ramos sparked loud debate at ringside. Yet the south‑paw puncher has rebuilt with three straight wins and believes his sharper defence under trainer Kevin Cunningham will out‑fox Murtazaliev’s pressure.
Under IBF statutes the champion must face his mandatory within nine months of his last defence, meaning a purse bid could be ordered if terms are not reached quickly. With Premier Boxing Champions eyeing an August date at Las Vegas’ Michelob Ultra Arena, and Murtazaliev’s camp hinting at Dubai money, the clock is ticking. Whether the Russian signs by Lubin’s self‑imposed deadline or not, the IBF insists its next 154‑pound title bout is set: Bakhram Murtazaliev versus Erickson Lubin - no more hiding.
Learn more about Bakhram Murtazaliev.
Image Credit: The Ring