Philippines, 28 Feb 2026
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


Vergil Ortiz vs. Erickson Lubin: Can Lubin Tip the Ortiz/Ennis Apple Cart?


PhilBoxing.com





Vergil Ortiz sets his sights on a huge 2026 fight with Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis. In fact, Eddie Hearn claims Ennis will be ringside in Fort Worth, Texas at the Dickies Arena this Saturday. But let’s not put the cart before the horse just yet. Erickson Lubin is a legit 154-pound contender with plenty of pop. The big question is can Lubin tip the apple cart and spoil a potential Vergil Ortiz versus Boots Ennis matchup? This event, promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, will be live streaming on the DAZN APP.

After a few years of health concerns derailing Vergil Ortiz’s promising career, it appears he’s ready to take the next step. From 2020 thru 2023, Ortiz’s fight schedule was much like a motion picture film set. Hurry up and wait. Since the beginning of 2024, this will be Vergil’s 5th bout. In his last two outings, Ortiz defeated solid opponents in Serhii Bohachuk and Israil Madrimov. Based off a close contest against Terrence Crawford, Madrimov is an impressive victory.

However, the back-and-forth action in the trenches against Bohachuk is a better comparison of what style of fight we have in Saturday’s main event. Once two fighters engage in a war of attrition, it’s difficult for them to change game plans. Ortiz has the blend of fundamentals and the ability to win during exchanges, which makes him very dangerous and entertaining.

Erickson Lubin was a highly touted prospect who looked the part from an athletic and power punching standpoint on his way to a title opportunity. Jermell Charlo derailed Lubin with a perfectly timed punch, stopping the challenger dead in his tracks. Lubin has yet to live up to the hype he once had as a prospect but make no mistake about it; he’s a game fighter in the junior middleweight division. The speed, power, added to being more seasoned now versus quality foes has him ready to make a statement.

Lubin was in a dog fight against now 154-pound titlist Sebastian Fundora. Both boxers touched the canvas in a 9-round thriller back in the spring of 2022. Erickson has just two fights since that loss to Fundora. Luckily, he did get the rust off in an 11th round TKO victory over Andreal Holmes Jr. in May. It should be noted when predicting an outcome; Lubin has been stopped in both of his losses.

This boxing junkie is calling for a fun scrap that remains competitive until the 2nd half. The betting books tell us this fight will probably not reach the final bell. Ortiz by decision is +158 and –162 Vergil by stoppage. Lubin can be had +500 on the moneyline and +930 via KO. If you feel Erickson Lubin will drop Ortiz and hurt him winning by decision, it can be found upwards +1300. Lubin will put up a good effort, but it won’t be enough to get his hand raised.

My Official Prediction is Vergil Ortiz by late stoppage.

PODCAST LINK: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-rope-a-dope-radio-podcast/id1794655742?i=1000735509857

Written by Chris Carlson Host/Producer of The Rope A Dope Radio Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker, I-Heart Radio, The Grueling Truth Sports Network, Amazon Podcasts, Google Podcasts & More! Follow on Twitter @RopeADopeRadio


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Chris Carlson.


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • Nuñez vs Navarrete: Knuckle Up for a Certified Banger
    By Chris Carlson, , Sat, 28 Feb 2026
  • ‘There's no way I'm going to lose’ -- Holly McMath looks to make a statement in high-stakes trilogy fight
    , Sat, 28 Feb 2026
  • WEIGHTS, RUNNING ORDER AND FINAL WORDS FOR NAVARRETE VS. NUNEZ
    , Sat, 28 Feb 2026
  • WEIGH-IN RESULTS FOR MANNY PACQUIAO PROMOTIONS: PIERCE VS. PARRA
    , Sat, 28 Feb 2026
  • Former US President Obama will donate Ali gloves to his presidential library
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sat, 28 Feb 2026
  • Almacen Brothers Make Weight, Ready for Battle in Thailand
    By Carlos Costa, , Fri, 27 Feb 2026
  • Four United States Women's Boxers Shine Bright on Day Four of Strandja 2026 Boxing Tournament
    , Fri, 27 Feb 2026
  • Matthew James Sugatan wins Flash-ADV 160 9-Ball Tournament at Pacman's Cue Club; pockets P30,000
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Fri, 27 Feb 2026
  • Weights From ProBoxTV’s ‘Vazquez vs. Machuca’ at College Park Center in the University of Texas
    , Fri, 27 Feb 2026
  • Ethan Matthew Gabriel tops Boscolympics 2026 Grade School chess meet
    , Fri, 27 Feb 2026
  • Boxing Legend & Hall of Famer Roy Jones Jr. Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas
    , Fri, 27 Feb 2026
  • IM Christian Gian Karlo Tade - Arca outwits GM Pa Iniyan in Round 6 of the Manny Pacquiao International Open chess
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 26 Feb 2026
  • San Francisco Boxing Leaders Bring It Back: FIGHT NIGHT AT ROCCAPULCO
    , Thu, 26 Feb 2026
  • Alyssa Mendoza, Salim Ellis-Bey and Kelvin Watts Secure Wins on Day Three of 2026 Strandja Boxing Tournament
    , Thu, 26 Feb 2026
  • Herlan Gomez faces Dekang Wang for WBA Asia Superbamtam Title Today in Kunming, China
    By Carlos Costa, , Thu, 26 Feb 2026
  • Queensberry Promotions to sue SELA and TKO?
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Thu, 26 Feb 2026
  • IBA President Umar Kremlev promises prize money for boxers at LA 2028 if the IOC doesn’t change their policy towards athletes’ rewards
    , Thu, 26 Feb 2026
  • Ruben Castillo, The uncrowned champion passes away
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Thu, 26 Feb 2026
  • Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: The Return of Ryan Garcia
    By Mauricio Sulaimán, , Wed, 25 Feb 2026
  • “It’s moments a kid dreams off.” Sam Rennie returns for title challenge March 13 in Perth – Thunderdome 53
    , Wed, 25 Feb 2026
  • ‘It’s going to be a great fight and most importantly looking forward to the 10 pints together after it’ Billy Quinncroft challenges for Cruiserweight title March 13 in Perth – Thunderdome 53
    , Wed, 25 Feb 2026
  • Magdalena Contreras Municipality and WBC start "Boxing for Peace" in Mexico
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 25 Feb 2026
  • United States Captures Four More Wins on Day Two of Strandja 2026 Boxing Tournament
    , Wed, 25 Feb 2026
  • Date set for Manny-Money 2
    By Joaquin Henson, , Wed, 25 Feb 2026
  • Knockout Artist Sugar Martinez (17-0, 17 KOs) Makes His US Debut Against Philly Veteran Daiyan Butt
    , Wed, 25 Feb 2026




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2026 philboxing.com.