Ortiz Returns to Action in Texas
Undefeated Vergil Ortiz Jr. (23-0, 21 KOs) is scheduled to defend his WBC interim junior middleweight belt against Erickson Lubin on November 8 at the Dickies Center in Fort Worth, Texas. The fight, promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, will be broadcast live worldwide on DAZN. Ortiz, coming off a strong decision victory over Israil Madrimov in February, will have the advantage of fighting on home soil.
Negotiation Challenges and Alternate Opponents
Initially, Ortiz aimed to face WBO champion Xander Zayas, but negotiations with Top Rank failed to meet the deadline last Friday. Ortiz’s team quickly secured Lubin as an opponent. Rumors of a potential bout with Jaron “Boots” Ennis in 2026 were denied by Ortiz’s representatives. Manager Rick Mirigan highlighted Ortiz’s dominance in the division, noting that top contenders have avoided facing him and commended Lubin for accepting the challenge.
Lubin Aims for Career-Defining Victory
Erickson Lubin (27-2, 19 KOs), ranked No. 1 by the IBF at junior middleweight, has rebounded with three consecutive wins since losing to WBC champion Sebastian Fundora in April 2022. The 29-year-old fighter boasts victories over Jeison Rosario and Jesus Ramos, with his only other defeat coming against Jermell Charlo in a 2017 WBC title fight. Lubin is looking to achieve the biggest win of his career. “This is the moment I’ve been waiting for,” he said. “This fight is about redemption; I’m back for everything.”
