Erickson “Hammer” Lubin is on a mission to become a super welterweight world champion this weekend against Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora.
The fight is Lubin’s second shot at the WBC super welterweight strap, and he faces a huge challenge in his over 6-foot-6 opponent on Saturday from The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas.
Lubin is 5 feet 9.
It is the latest major challenge on his way to the top.
5'9" Erickson Lubin squares off with 6'5" Sebastian Fundora in a junior middleweight bout tomorrow night 👀 #LubinFundora
(via @ShowtimeBoxing)
pic.twitter.com/fTxHGImKi5— ESPN Ringside (@ESPNRingside) April 8, 2022
The Towering Inferno
“I fought in my 15th fight someone who was a couple inches shorter than Fundora,” Lubin said at the final press conference on Thursday. “I’ve been in the ring with all types of people. I spar guys who are near Fundora’s height, including Jamontay Clark, who came into camp with me. The height doesn’t mean much to me.
“I have dynamite in both hands. I believe that I’m capable of blasting out everyone I’m in the ring with. I’m here to win.”
His first title shot against Jermell Charlo ended in Lubin on the wrong end of a first-round knockout in 2017. Many thought he wouldn’t bounce back from the devastating point in his career.
Lubin’s Journey Back
“I always knew I would get back to title contention,” Lubin said at the press conference. “I dared to be great early. I tried to dethrone Jermell Charlo when I had just turned 22.
“I always knew I would be back in this position. It’s been only five years since that fight and I just get better every time I step into that ring.”
Since that loss, Lubin (24-1, 17 KOs) has put together an impressive six-bout winning streak, most recently knocking out former unified 154-pound champion Jeison Rosario in June.
Who Is Sebastian Fundora?
Fundora is a rising contender who possesses strong boxing skills and a willingness to mix it up on the inside.
Fundora’s (18-0-1, 12 KOs) most recent victory was a decision over previously unbeaten Sergio Garcia in December, where he scored the first 12-round victory of his young career.
“This is extremely important for me,” Fundora said at the final press conference. “Being in this position just shows that hard work pays off. We all grew up in the sport at the same time. Lubin and I both grew up in Florida and it’s nice to be recognized for our hard work.
“I’m going to do my thing on Saturday night. We’re here to win. No matter how the fight goes, that’s the goal. This is a dream come true, and it’s about time I get to be in the main event.”
Undisputed
The fight reverberates into the pending fight between Jermell Charlo and Brian Castaño, who will rematch their summer 2021 draw to crown the undisputed super welterweight world champ.
Unified WBC, WBA, and IBF World Champion Jermell Charlo and WBO World Champion Brian Castaño will meet in a rematch of one of 2021’s most significant fights.
Both seek to become the first-ever undisputed 154-pound champion in the four-belt era on Saturday, May 14. However, the winner of that fight will undoubtedly fight the winner of Lubin vs. Fundora next.
Get Out The Way
“It don’t really matter to me who wins because what I’m chasing is them titles,” Lubin said on the “PRITTY Left Hook” podcast. “If I can get that Charlo rematch, if he wins, that would be great because I’m competitive, and I do like revenge. It’s sweet.
“I’m not overlooking Sebastian. He’s standing in the way, and on Saturday night I got to run him over.”
