Vergil Ortiz vs. Erickson Lubin fight predictions, odds, start time in Fort Worth

Ortiz’s journey has been closely watched since his professional debut, where he quickly established himself as a knockout artist. However, his career trajectory was temporarily derailed by rhabdomyolysis, a muscle disorder that sidelined him from August 2022 to January 2024. Prior to this hiatus, Ortiz was rapidly ascending the welterweight ranks, securing regional titles and showcasing his formidable power. Despite his success, he often faced difficulties in securing fights against top-tier opponents.

Upon his return to the ring, Ortiz moved up to the 154-pound division, a decision that has seen him face a higher caliber of competition. After dispatching Fredrick Lawson and Thomas Dulorme with quick knockouts to shake off ring rust, Ortiz began taking on opponents who had previously been avoided.

One of the most significant tests of Ortiz’s career came against Serhii Bohachuk (24-1, 23 KOs). Bohachuk, known for his aggressive style and power, had previously defeated Brian Mendoza, making him a formidable opponent. The fight against Ortiz proved to be a grueling affair, with Ortiz being knocked down twice. However, he demonstrated resilience and determination, battling back to secure a majority decision victory. This win was particularly important as it showcased Ortiz’s ability to overcome adversity and fight through challenging circumstances.

Following the victory over Bohachuk, Ortiz faced Israil Madrimov (9-0-1, 6 KOs), an Uzbekistani fighter who had previously given Terence Crawford a tough fight, losing a narrow decision. Madrimov’s awkward style and technical abilities posed a different kind of challenge for Ortiz. While it took Ortiz a few rounds to adjust and find his rhythm, he ultimately secured a decision win by wider margins than Crawford had managed. This victory underscored Ortiz’s adaptability and ability to solve complex in-ring puzzles.

The upcoming fight against Erickson Lubin represents another critical test for Ortiz. Lubin, a former world title challenger, has faced some of the best fighters in the junior middleweight division. His only losses have come against Jermell Charlo and Sebastian Fundora, both of whom have held world championships. The fight against Fundora in 2022 was particularly memorable, earning widespread acclaim as a Fight of the Year contender.

Lubin’s recent activity has been somewhat limited. Since a controversial decision win over Jesus Ramos in 2023, he has only fought once, defeating Ardreal Holmes Jr. in May. Despite his inactivity, Lubin remains a dangerous opponent with a proven track record.

A victory over Lubin would significantly bolster Ortiz’s chances of securing a world title shot. Ortiz’s team had previously pursued a fight against WBO champion Xander Zayas, but negotiations stalled, leading to the Lubin matchup. Zayas is now reportedly scheduled to face WBA titlist Abass Baraou in a unification bout on January 31. This development could potentially pave the way for Ortiz to face the unified champion sometime in mid-2026, provided he defeats Lubin.

The undercard for Saturday night’s event features several intriguing matchups in the middleweight and super middleweight divisions. Darius Fulghum (15-1, 13 KOs) is set to face David Stevens (13-1, 10 KOs) at 168 pounds. Fulghum is looking to bounce back from his first professional defeat, which came in May against Bektemir Melikuziev. Prior to that loss, Fulghum had won his first 14 bouts, showcasing his potential in the super middleweight division. Additionally, cruiserweights Robin Sirwan Safar (18-0, 13 KOs) and Derick Miller Jr. (24-1, 14 KOs) will face off. Safar, an undefeated prospect in the 200-pound division, scored a significant victory in May 2024 with a decision win over former light heavyweight champion Sergey Kovalev.

Erickson Lubin presents a legitimate challenge to Vergil Ortiz, possessing both power and skill. However, Ortiz is widely regarded as the superior fighter overall. His recent performances have demonstrated new dimensions to his game, answering many questions about his abilities and resilience. In the fight against Bohachuk, Ortiz showed he could overcome adversity, rising from knockdowns to secure a victory. Against Madrimov, he proved his ability to handle a slick, awkward boxer.

Lubin’s power in both hands means he poses a knockout threat, but Ortiz is capable of returning fire and is considered the better boxer. Lubin has previously been stopped by both Charlo and Fundora. While Ortiz has gone the distance in his two most recent fights, this matchup presents an opportunity for him to return to his knockout ways.

The fight will be held at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas. The event is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and will be broadcast on DAZN. The main card is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. ET, with the main event expected to start around 11 p.m. ET.

Vergil Ortiz, Jr. enters the ring with a record of 23 wins and no losses, all of which have come by way of knockout. His aggressive style and relentless pursuit of his opponents have made him a fan favorite. Ortiz’s power is undeniable, and he has shown the ability to finish fights with either hand. However, his recent fights have also demonstrated his ability to box and adapt to different styles.

Erickson Lubin comes into the fight with a record of 26 wins and 2 losses, with 18 of his wins coming by way of knockout. Lubin is a skilled boxer with good hand speed and movement. He has shown the ability to box from both the orthodox and southpaw stances, making him a difficult opponent to prepare for. However, he has struggled against top-level opposition, losing to both Jermell Charlo and Sebastian Fundora.

The fight is expected to be a high-action affair, with both fighters looking to impose their will. Ortiz will likely look to pressure Lubin and force him into exchanges, while Lubin will likely look to use his boxing skills to keep Ortiz at bay and counter his attacks.

The outcome of the fight will likely depend on who can impose their style on the other. If Ortiz can successfully pressure Lubin and force him into a brawl, he will likely be able to score a knockout. However, if Lubin can use his boxing skills to keep Ortiz at bay and counter his attacks, he could potentially win a decision.