Vergil Ortiz Jr. makes emphatic statement, destroying Erickson Lubin

It only took two rounds for Vergil Ortiz Jr.’s pressure and explosive power to wound Erickson Lubin badly enough for the referee to jump in between them. It was supposed to be a bout that challenged Ortiz, but he made it look as easy as a stroll through the park on Golden Boy’s fight card.

The challenger landed five shots in round one, but Ortiz probably didn’t feel more than a tingle. Lubin’s southpaw stance also did nothing to confuse or bother, and his misfiring jab couldn’t create separation, getting himself backed down around the ring, to the ropes and corner early. 

Before round two started, Ortiz’s trainer, Robert Garcia, instructed him to go to the body and not to get too confident. But he went for the kill, first connecting with the jab and a straight right hand, putting Lubin back on the ropes. From there, Ortiz unleashed as if he was facing someone who stole from him, hooking to the head and body with both hands to soften him up. One hammering right hand was so devastating that Lubin’s guard caught some of it, but his hands fell, and Ortiz launched a cannonball to his face, hurting him, and the ref instantly reacted.

Ortiz (24-0) kept his interim WBC junior middleweight belt, and then called out Jaron “Boots” Ennis, the WBA interim champ who was ringside and later entered for a face-off. They disputed the origins of their trash talk over previous failed fight discussions between them, but both said they wanted a piece of each other.

Golden Boy promoter Oscar De La Hoya subsequently said, “It was a phenomenal performance by Vergil Ortiz, and I’m actually surprised that Eddie Hearn (chairman of Matchroom Sport) and Boots Ennis [are] here. After watching Vergil Ortiz knock out Lubin, it’s going to be very difficult making this fight, but Vergil Ortiz wants it. So, let’s go, let’s do it.”

Ennis last fought on Oct. 11, wiping Uisima Lima, a lesser known and respected opponent, in a tune-up for his debut at 154 pounds in nearly two minutes. A fight between him and Ortiz would be a super showdown.