Junior middleweight eliminator tomorrow night: Erickson Lubin versus Sebastian Fundora

Back in my day, close to a hundred years ago (OK, not that far) ranking contenders would box each other for a crack at the champion. They were called eliminators. 

Think Armando Muniz fighting Clyde Gray, Monroe Brooks and Adolph Viruet, and Elisha Obed meeting Gene Wells. 

Junior middleweight contenders Erickson Lubin and Sebastian Fundora fight tomorrow night in Sin City. 

Guess what, it’s a legitimate eliminator. 

Lubin fought for the title in 2017 and came up short - getting starched in less than three minutes by Jermell Charlo. Lubin has worked his way back up the latter, winning six bouts in succession. 

“I always knew I would get back to title contention, “said Lubin a few days ago at a press conference.  I dared to be great early. I tried to dethrone Jermell Charlo when I had just turned 22. I always knew I would be back in this position. It’s been only five years since that fight, and I get better every time I step into that ring.”

Lubin has looked sharp at times and vulnerable at others. He impressively knocked out former champion Jeison Rosario last June.

Fundora’s most impressive wins are over Nathaniel Gallimore and Jorge Cota. 

The spindly Fundora (6’6”) can punch. He’s iced 12 opponents in 18 bouts. The Florida native edged Sergio Garcia five months ago in an action-packed 12 rounder. 

“I’m going to do my thing on Saturday night,” said Fundora. 

Southpaw Fundora can jab when he feels like it but prefers to brawl.  

“I trust my power,” Fundora said. “If it goes to the decision, that’s great, but if the knockout presents itself, I’m going to be ready to take advantage of it.”

Lubin is the more talented fighter. He can move and box. Athletic. His chin is still a question mark. 

Lubin is ready.

“He’s a tall statue of a guy, but skills pay the bills, “ said Lubin. “We go into camp and we draw up a game plan and then we execute on fight night. He’s a good fighter who comes in shape, but my skills will be the difference.”

Fundora doesn’t move his head much - so he gets hit a lot. 
His offense is his defense, but the bean pole is tough and determined.  

“I can guarantee this fight is going to be an inferno,” Fundora said. “We’re number one and number two. The winner fights the champion for sure, so we’re going to give our all.”