Vergil Ortiz vs. Erickson Lubin: Can Lubin Tip the Ortiz/Ennis Apple Cart?
By Chris Carlson
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 08 Nov 2025
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:
“Jye Chin brings a fight to whoever, whenever and where ever”: Jye Chin ready for WBC title Clash March 13 in Perth – Thunderdome 53
Tue, 20 Jan 2026THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 18 JANUARY 2026: Nikita Tszyu-Michael Zerafa End in No Contest; Raul Curiel Outpoints Jordan Panthen
By Eric Armit, Mon, 19 Jan 2026Ryan Daye ready for WBC title Clash March 13 in Perth – Thunderdome 53
Mon, 19 Jan 2026RAUL “EL CUGÁR” CURIEL CRUISES TO UNANIMOUS DECISION WIN OVER JORDAN “THE PATRIOT” PANTHEN
Sat, 17 Jan 2026Weights from Philadelphia
Sat, 17 Jan 2026Mexico Commemorates 12th Death Anniversary of Don Jose Sulaiman (Photos)
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sat, 17 Jan 2026MOLLY McCANN EYES 'HUGE' STATEMENT START TO 2026 AS SHE JOINS BUMPER WOOD-WARINGTON CARD IN NOTTINGHAM ON FEBRUARY 21
Sat, 17 Jan 2026NEW MAIN EVENT ANNOUNCED! RAUL CURIEL SCHEDULED TO FACE JORDAN PANTHEN IN MIDDLEWEIGHT SCRAP
Fri, 16 Jan 2026SMALLS VS RAMOS TOPS STACKED UNDERCARD FOR NAVARRETE-NUNEZ BLOCKBUSTER IN GLENDALE
Fri, 16 Jan 2026Usyk Linked to Zuffa Boxing Deal as Questions Loom Over Title Defenses
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Fri, 16 Jan 2026Abass Baraou: "No One Has Been Able to Withstand My Pressure!"
Fri, 16 Jan 2026Wise Owl Boxing Signs Rising Female Star Chantel “Chicanita” Navarro
Fri, 16 Jan 2026Mauricio Sulaiman: WBC wants to protect fighters' dream of becoming a world champion
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Thu, 15 Jan 2026Xander Zayas: "It's Time to Make History!"
Thu, 15 Jan 2026Weights from Trenton, NJ
Thu, 15 Jan 2026