Undefeated knockout sensation Vergil Ortiz Jr. will put his WBC Interim Super Welterweight Championship on the line against Erickson “The Hammer” Lubin in a high-stakes clash set for Saturday, Nov. 8, at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth. The 12-round bout, presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with ProBox, will stream live worldwide on DAZN.
This is more than just a title defense — it’s a homecoming showcase for Ortiz (23-0, 21 KOs), one of boxing’s most feared punchers, against a battle-tested contender who’s made a career out of silencing doubters.
Ortiz Jr.: Texas’ Knockout Star Returns Home
The Grand Prairie native has carved out a reputation as one of the sport’s most dangerous fighters, boasting a knockout ratio north of 90 percent. Ortiz captured the interim belt in a war with Serhii Bohachuk — a fight hailed as a 2024 “Fight of the Year” candidate — and followed it up with a statement defense against former WBA champion Israil Madrimov in Saudi Arabia.
From the first-round demolition of Julio Rodas in his 2016 pro debut to headline status at Dickies Arena, Ortiz’s rise has been steep and violent. Under the tutelage of Robert Garcia, he has combined old-school grit with modern precision, building a résumé stacked with names like Maurice Hooker, Egidijus Kavaliauskas, and Michael McKinson.
Now, back in Texas, Ortiz has promised fireworks: “I’m always happy to be a part of the fights that fans want to see. See you guys November 8!”
Lubin: The Hammer That Won’t Quit
For Erickson Lubin (27-2, 19 KOs), this fight represents both danger and destiny. The Orlando southpaw has been rebuilding ever since his lone title shot against Jermell Charlo in 2017 ended in disaster. Rather than fade, Lubin sharpened his edge, putting together signature wins over Jeison Rosario, Terrell Gausha, and Nathaniel Gallimore.
He’s no stranger to blood-and-guts wars either — his 2022 brawl with Sebastian Fundora was a Fight of the Year candidate that proved his heart and firepower. Most recently, Lubin earned his mandatory IBF spot by stopping Ardreal Holmes Jr. in the 11th round this past May.
Lubin enters ranked #1 by the IBF, #3 by the WBC, and top-five by the WBO. With his prime years now, “The Hammer” is swinging harder than ever.
Promoter Oscar De La Hoya summed it up best: “Vergil Ortiz Jr. is the most ducked fighter in boxing — period. Big names talk tough until Vergil’s name comes up. I commend Erickson Lubin; he has the guts. On Nov. 8, fans are going to see why everyone else keeps running from Vergil Ortiz Jr.”
Fight Night in Fort Worth
The clash at Dickies Arena promises the kind of high-drama matchup fans crave: Ortiz’s ruthless power against Lubin’s resilience and finishing ability. With both men boasting a history of knockouts and wars, the outcome feels less like a question of if someone gets hurt, but when.
Tickets and undercard details will be announced soon.
Event Details
- Main Event: Vergil Ortiz Jr. vs. Erickson Lubin
- Title: WBC Interim Super Welterweight World Championship
- Date: Saturday, November 8, 2025
- Venue: Dickies Arena, Fort Worth, Texas
- Broadcast: Live on DAZN (7 p.m. CT)
- Promoters: Golden Boy Promotions in association with ProBox
