Is it possible to lose with a punch, is the first round a good thing for a boxer? In the case of Erickson Lubin, perhaps.
Lubin was just 22 years old when he played just 2 minutes 41 seconds against 154th place Jermell Charlo in October 2017, the result of a crushing right hand that left him unable to recover.
More than four years later, he’s not only one step away from getting a second chance to fight for the main belt – perhaps against winner Charlo-Brian Castano II – but he’s even more respected. through disaster recovery.
“I’m the poster kid for all the young men facing adversity, how to bounce back from a loss,” said Lubin, who is expected to face Sebastian Fundora in the knockout match. title on April 9 in Las Vegas (Showtime) said.
Erickson Lubin faces Sebastian Fundora on April 9 for the right to claim the £154 world championship. Team Lubin / MJS Entertainment
Lubin (24-1, 17 KOs) said the loss didn’t affect his confidence despite its brutal nature. “Never,” he said when asked if his faith in himself had wavered.
The setback also made it difficult for him to focus on his boxing career, he said. He understands better than ever the sacrifices he will have to make to become world champion. That included moving his camp from his native Orlando to West Palm Beach, Florida, where coach Kevin Cunningham improved his all-round game.
The results make that clear. He has won 6-0 since the loss, including impressive wins against long-standing opponents like Ishe Smith, Nathaniel Gallimore, Terrell Gausha and most recently, former president Jeison Rosario.
That’s why the worst night of his career will likely be a boon in the long run.
“Honestly, it can be a blessing in disguise,” he said. “Everybody told me that. And it’s growing on him a little bit. It was a lesson learned that changed my life. … It changed everything for me. To be the best, you have to make sacrifices. That’s what I did.
“I left my hometown, got a new coach. That’s why I’m here today, #1 in WBC and basically #1 in the league. ”
Of course, some observers with long memories will continue to doubt Lubin.
Once a boxer suffers the fate he inflicted on Charlo, many wonder if it will happen again. Lubin realized that. All he could do was keep winning and finally get the title belt wrapped around his waist, that’s all that matters.
“Some people still have something to say, still doubt me,” he said. “I will continue to prove myself in the ring. If they doubt me, so be it. I believe in what I’ve been doing. My job is to get in the ring and take care of my business every time I go out.
“Once you prove yourself, you have to prove yourself again and again. That’s how boxing works.”
