Editorials

Erickson Lubin | What’s Next For the Super Welterweight Contender ?

Amanda Westcott/ Showtime

Erickson Lubin (22-1, 16 KOs) is on track for a second title shot in the Super Welterweight division. His only loss came via an unforgettable first-round knockout at the hands of WBC Super Welterweight champion, Jermell Charlo in 2017.

Since then, Lubin is on a four-fight win streak. Tallying wins against Silverio Ortiz, Ishe Smith, Zakaria Attou and Nathaniel Gallimore. Lubin is currently ranked as the No. 1 contender by the WBC, and No. 4 by the WBA.

Lubin’s trainer, Kevin Cunningham, confirmed in an interview with BoxingScene.com that Lubin wants to face the best in the division. “We haven’t received confirmation on a date or an opponent yet,” said Cunningham. “We are ready and willing to face any of the top guys like Charlo, [Jeison] Rosario, [Jarrett] Hurd, [Tony] Harrison, [Erislandy] Lara or [Brian] Castaño. It doesn’t matter to us.”

What’s next for Erickson Lubin in 2020?

The three opponents Lubin should target this year are the big names in the division including Tony Harrison, Julian Williams or Jarrett Hurd.

Tony Harrison

Stephanie Trapp/Showtime

Former WBC Super Welterweight champion, Tony Harrison is coming off of a loss in his first title defense of the belt to Jermell Charlo in their highly anticipated rematch.

Harrison is ranked third in the WBC, and sixth in the WBA. This puts Harrison right underneath Erickson Lubin in both rankings, making for an intriguing fight for both men.

Lubin is an impressive and rising contender in the division, he still doesn’t have a signature win on his resume. Lubin needs Harrison, and Harrison needs Lubin at this point.

Harrison vs. Lubin would be a win-win for the fans, fighters and PBC.

Julian “J Rock” Williams

Stephanie Trapp/Showtime

Julian Williams suffered an unforeseen TKO loss defending his WBA and IBF Super Welterweight belts against Jeison Rosario on January 18, 2020.

After losing the belts and taking the time to reflect on the loss, Williams decided to not exercise his rematch clause to face Rosario in an immediate rematch. Williams is sixth in the WBC and third in the WBA.

Erickson Lubin vs. Williams would be a great matchup between two top ten fighters in the division. A classic clash of styles with Lubin’s power vs. Williams’ boxing ability.

This matchup should be on the radar for both fighters. They are in need of opponents and neither shies away from top-tier opponents.

“Swift” Jarrett Hurd

Stephanie Trapp/Showtime

Jarret Hurd is coming off of a victory over Francisco Santana on January 25, 2020.

Prior to that, he suffered his first career loss to Julian Williams in November of 2019. Hurd decided not to request the rematch against Williams and wanted change. With big change coming in the form of a new trainer, and a tune-up fight against Santana out of the way, Hurd is ready for action.

Hurd is ranked No. 7 in the WBC, No. 1 in the WBA and No. 4 in the IBF and WBO. Lubin vs. Hurd would produce fireworks, sell tickets and be a great main event fight for the PBC.

Lubin isn’t quite ready for the Charlo rematch. He should test himself and his progression against a top 10 Super Welterweight before walking back into the lion’s den with Charlo.

Lubin should focus on Harrison, Williams or Hurd to test his ability against the top tier talent in the division.

 

Who do you think Erickson Lubin should fight next?

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