THE super-welterweight division is alive and well, with a host of exciting and eccentric characters jostling for top spot. One of those men is the hard-hitting Vergil Ortiz Jr, who hopes to tee up a title shot with victory against Erickson Lubin, and he has now admitted why he believes Lubin to be a ‘dangerous’ opponent.
Ortiz Jr, 23-0 (21 KOs), is currently in possession of the WBC interim title at 154lbs, having defeated Serhii Bohachuk to get his hands on the belt last August and then defended it against Israil Madrimov back in February.
Those two contests are the only times that the Texan has gone the distance in his professional career and the 27-year-old is seeking to return with a more conclusive and concussive triumph when tasked with Lubin.
Although, at the launch press conference, Ortiz respected the intellect of Lubin, which he pinpointed as a key reason as to why the Floridian southpaw is both a ‘dangerous fighter’ and a source of additional motivation for this fight.
“He’s a dangerous fighter because he has intellect, he has experience, and he has power. He likes to fight. I’ve seen his fights before. He legitimately goes in there to fight people. I respect that about him, but he’s also a smart fighter as well, so when you add both of those into the question, that’s when you have a dangerous fighter.
“I’m very motivated. I want to win. I want to win looking good. Just being in the ring with someone with the pedigree like Erickson Lubin, it motivates me to train harder, to actually want to come to the gym. I’ve been in some fights where I’m fighting someone and I’m like, “Let’s just get this thing over with.” This fight, I look forward to the gym; I want to work hard; I want to do good in sparring. So that is the kind of fight this is.”
Meanwhile, Lubin returned the plaudits by recognising and appreciating the talent of Mexican-American Ortiz Jr., before promising a ‘historic match-up’.
“I fought for the world title in just my third year – this is my 12th year as a pro. I took no steps back. I fought top opposition after top opposition and Vergil Ortiz is no different. He’s another top fighter. This is my third undefeated fighter in a row, and I’m looking to become that dude at 154 pounds.
“I’m just excited. Vergil Ortiz is a great competitor, and I think the fans are in for a treat. November 8, it will be fireworks, it will be a great matchup. We’ve got a black fighter versus a Mexican fighter – that always makes for a great fight. It’s gonna be a historical matchup.”
Ortiz gets home advantage when he faces Lubin at the Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas, on Saturday, November 8. The card will be broadcast live on DAZN.
