Erickson Lubin vs. Sebastian Fundora: Young Gun Showdown

This Saturday, April 9, from the Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, part of Curio Collection by Hilton, top super welterweight contenders Erickson “Hammer” Lubin (24-1, 17 KOs) and Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora (18-0-1, 12 KOs) battle for the WBC Super Welterweight Interim Title atop a Premier Boxing Champions event.

The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT) features former super welterweight world champion Tony “Superbad” Harrison against top contender Sergio Garcia in the 10-round co-main event. In the telecast opener, undefeated super welterweight Kevin Salgado takes on Bryant Perrella in a 10-round clash.

The Story

Erickson Lubin’s first try at a world title in 2017, just two weeks after his 22nd birthday, ended quickly when he walked into a crushing Jermell Charlo right hand in the first round. 

The 2016 ESPN and Ring Magazine Prospect of the Year went right back to work, however, and has notched six consecutive victories since that career setback. In that run, the Orlando, Florida native became the first to stop former world champ Ishe Smith. He also scored unanimous decision victories over Nathanial Gallimore and Terrell Gausha. In his most recent performance, he stopped former unified super welterweight champ Jeison Rosario in six rounds. 

Now 26, Lubin is one victory away from an interim WBC belt and a second shot at a world title. Working under the guidance of trainer Kevin Cunningham, he feels sharper than ever, entering his full prime as a fighter just as the big opportunities are once again coming his way. This Fundora contest puts him one step closer to rewriting history and deleting that Charlo loss as the defining fight of his career.

The first thing everyone notices about Sebastian Lubin is his stature. At 6-foot-6, the Coachella, California resident towers over opposition in his weight class. The second thing people notice about “The Towering Inferno,” though, is that he can flat-out fight.

Born into a boxing family, with both parents and his siblings involved in the sport to varying degrees, Fundora has an all-action style that has made him a favorite among fight fans. Trained by his father Freddy, who had a brief stint in the pros, the 24-year-old brawler appears to be getting stronger and sharper with each passing bout. 

Fundora’s last two victories have been high-water mark achievements. Last May, he stopped tough veteran battler Jorge Cota in four rounds and, in December, he scored a unanimous decision over the previously undefeated Sergio Garcia.  

The Stakes

At stake is the WBC Super Welterweight Interim Title. In the bigger picture, the winner of this young gun showdown will likely be regarded as the top contender to the winner of the four-belt super welterweight title unification between Jermell Charlo and Brian Castaño on May 14.

The Matchup

Lubin is a talented offensive fighter with knockout power in both hands. As a natural righty fighting out of a southpaw stance, he carries his power hand closer to his opponent, something which makes his right hand, as a power shot or a jab, especially quick and powerful.

Calm and self-confident, Lubin is an underrated tactician who uses sound footwork and subtle misdirection to establish favorable positioning in the ring, both on offense and defense.

“ On April 9, I will not be denied. ” Super Welterweight Contender - Erickson Lubin

Fundora is an all-action pressure fighter who, to the consternation of critics, prefers to brawl on the inside despite having a perpetual extreme edge in height and reach.

The lanky 24-year-old southpaw generates an uncanny amount of leverage in close quarters and is especially strong with the left hand. His uppercuts, right and left, are also strong offensive weapons built on leverage.

Fundora’s spotty defense presents the greatest obstacle to next-level success. With a tendency to let his hands drop low and a hyper-focus on offense at the expense of defense, he takes too many flush shots for his own good. 

The Words

Erickson Lubin

“This is a career-defining moment for me, and a chance for me to rewrite history after my first world title fight. Fundora is tall and rangy but likes to fight in close quarters, which should make for a fan-friendly and exciting fight. I’m in the best shape of my life and I know he’s going to be at his best for this fight. On April 9, I will not be denied.”

Sebastian Fundora

“We know Lubin is a southpaw and that he’s ranked number one by the WBC. He’s a good fighter overall. I expect him to come in and box, but I’m really just focused on doing what I do best. Fans can expect me to bring action against Erickson Lubin. 'The Towering Inferno' is bringing the fire on fight night.”

The Breakdown

In Lubin vs. Fundora we have a true fight fan’s delight – two young, hungry contenders taking on extreme risk in a high-stakes battle.

In an odd juxtaposition, Lubin, who’s giving up nearly six inches in reach and eight inches in height, will be the one looking to box more and establish distance. Fundora, meanwhile, will be looking to bring the fight inside, where he can bang and brawl and keep his arms churning in hopes of catching his more classically-skilled opponent with something big. 

Timing will be key for Lubin. If he can keep Fundora at the end of well-timed shots, he should be able to pick him apart and then score inside on his own terms, exploiting his opponent’s defensive lapses. 

Fundora, however, is a tenacious ring presence who has a knack for forcing fights into his own comfort zone. Up until now, he’s been able to drag every one of his opponents into trench warfare and he’ll put pressure on Lubin this Saturday, trying his best to turn a boxing match into a war of attrition.

Erickson Lubin vs. Sebastian Fundora is going to be a good one. Expect lots and lots of offense and an intense battle of wills in a contest that means everything to both fighters. 

For a closer look at Lubin vs. Fundora, check out our fight night page.