Vergil Ortiz Jr. Vs. Erickson Lubin Allegedly Close

Vergil Ortiz Jr. and Erickson Lubin have reportedly reached a verbal agreement over an October 18 fight, although Ortiz’s father, Vergil Ortiz Sr., denies the deal is done. 

The situation is complicated as talks have also taken place with WBO Junior Middleweight Champion Xander Zayas, but no offer has been accepted in that regard. If it is Lubin, then he will provide a tough test. Since his first-round knockout loss to Jermell Charlo in 2017, he has reinvented himself. He bounced back with six consecutive wins before a loss to Sebastian Fundora in 2022.

Following that loss, Lubin has beaten Luis Arias, Jesus Ramos Jr. and Ardreal Holmes Jr. respectively. Ortiz, 27, is coming off two wins, beating Serhii Bohachuk and Israil Madrimov. Since Ortiz holds the WBC Interim Title, the winner could face Sebastian Fundora or Keith Thurman, who are on course to fight each other next. 

Ortiz is known for his frightening knockout power. However, his recent back-to-back wins against Serhii Bohachuk and Israil Madrimov went the distance, forcing him to show a different side of his game. These fights tested his stamina, chin, and boxing skills. Facing a slick, experienced southpaw like Lubin is the perfect next step. For Erickson Lubin, this is a make-or-break opportunity to prove he still belongs in the elite tier of the sport. Lubin is a technically sound southpaw with good footwork and a strong body attack, as he showed in his win against Jesus Ramos Jr. and Ardreal Holmes Jr. Either way, De La Hoya wants Ortiz to face a tough name.

“We want to put him in against a monster. He’s ready for everybody. We’re looking at getting him back in October against someone in the top five,” De La Hoya said