Vergil Ortiz is 27 years old, and has 23 professional fights in his record. It’s fair to wonder if he still qualifies for the prospect category. Ortiz, who was sidelined by a muscular disorder from August 20,22 to January 20,24 due to rhabdomyolysis, will face former title contender Erickson Lubin on Saturday. Prior to his time on the sidelines Ortiz was an up-and coming fighter who had won a number of tertiary welterweight titles while struggling to find quality opponents.
Vergil Oriz Jr. is facing another challenge with Erickson Lubin as champions continue avoiding him
Brian Campbell
Serhii BOHACHUK was first, after he defeated Brian Mendoza. Ortiz’s career was tested in this fight for the first ever. He suffered two knockdowns, but battled back to earn an impressive majority decision win.
Israil Mdrimov gave Terence Crawford a tough fight the fight before, and lost by a small margin. Ortiz needed a few rounds with Madrimov to get used to his awkward style. But he won the decision by a wider margin than Crawford. Lubin continues Ortiz’s attempt to make a first shot at world championships undeniable. Lubin has only been defeated by two professional fighters: Jermell Fundora and Sebastian Fundora. Both have won world titles. Lubin’s fight with Fundora, in 2022, was considered a contender for Fight of the Year. He has not been active recently. Lubin is the only fighter to have fought since a controversial decision in 2023 over Jesus Ramos. He beat Ardreal Holmes Jr. that May.
A title shot for Ortiz should be almost guaranteed with a victory over Lubin. The Ortiz camp was already aiming for a shot at WBO champion Xander Xayas, but negotiations fell through and led to the Lubin bout. Zayas will now face WBA champion Abass baraou on Jan. 31, according to reports. Ortiz may be able to fight whoever is the undisputed champion by mid-2026. Some middleweights and super middleweights are looking to advance in their divisional rankings. Darius Fulghum and David Stevens will be fighting at 168 lbs. Fulghum’s first defeat as a professional came in his last fight, in May, against Bektemir Melikuzev. Fulghum had won his first 14 fights. Safar has an undefeated 18-0 record with 13 KOs. He is one of the top prospects in the 200-pound weight division. In May 2024, he won the biggest victory of his career with a decision against former light heavyweight champion Sergey Kovalev.
Ortiz vs. Lubin fight card, oddsOdds via DraftKings SportsbookVergil Ortiz Jr. -1000 vs. Erickson Lubin +600, junior middleweightsDarius Fulghum -500 vs. David Stevens +350, super middleweightsRobin Sirwan Safar -700 vs. Derick Miller Jr. +425, cruiserweightsEric Priest -3500 vs. Esneiker Correa +1300, middleweightsAmari Jones -2500 vs. Shady Gamhour +1100, middleweightsOrtiz vs. Lubin viewing informationDate: Nov. 8 | Location: Dickies Arena — Fort Worth, TexasStart time: 8 p.m. ET (main event rings walk approximately at 11:30 pm ET) ET)Where to watch: DAZN (subscription required)PredictionLubin is a legit opponent for Ortiz, with good power and skills. Ortiz has the edge in terms of overall fighting ability. Ortiz has shown a new side in his last two fights, while also answering many questions. Ortiz proved he could get off the floor and fight to win the match, not only to survive. Ortiz also proved that he is capable of handling a slick and awkward boxer like Madrimov. Lubin’s power in his hands could be enough to score a knockout but Ortiz has the ability to return fire. It is clear that Ortiz has a -1000 odds for a good reason. Both Charlo and Fundora stopped Lubin. Ortiz is back in the ring after two tough fights that went the distance. Pick: Vergil Ortiz via TKO8
2025-11-08 19:50:19
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