Erickson Lubin says he needs to problem IBF junior middleweight champion Bakhram Murtazaliev subsequent. The #3 ranked Lubin (28-2, 16 KOs) revealed that Tim Tszyu already had plans to battle him subsequent if he’d overwhelmed Murtazaliev (23-0, 17 KOs) final Saturday night time, however with him dropping by a third-round TKO, that battle is not taking place. Lubin says he’ll now transfer on and face Murtazaliev subsequent.
Lubin Desires Title Shot
Except the IBF orders the battle, this might be a voluntary protection for Murtazaliev, who mentioned final Saturday that he needed to battle unification matches. If he can’t get any of the champions to battle him, he is likely to be open to defending in opposition to Lubin.
Lubin has received his final two fights in opposition to Jesus Ramos and Luis Arias since being stopped by Sebastian Fundora within the ninth spherical two years in the past, on April 9, 2022. Erickson’s 12-round unanimous choice win over Ramos was a minor upset, as lots of people thought he would lose that battle. The scores had been 117-111, 116-112 and 115-113.
The 29-year-old Lubin has been inactive for 13 months since his win over Ramos on September thirtieth final yr. He says he doesn’t like taking tune-ups. So, if Lubin does face Murtazaliev subsequent, he’d be coming off a protracted layoff to face one of the harmful fighters within the 154-lb division.
“It was thrilling from the opening bell. Tim Tszyu bought caught, and he couldn’t get well,” mentioned Erickson Lubin to Thaboxingvoice, speaking about final Saturday night time’s battle between Tim Tszyu and IBF junior middleweight champion Bakhram Murtazaliev.
“Nah, I had my cash on Tim Tszyu,” mentioned Lubin when requested if he anticipated that end result. “He was a champion already. So if Tim had overwhelmed him, me and Tim, we already had one thing deliberate. However now we bought to maneuver on and attempt to get this Russian dude [Murtazaliev].”
Tune-ups Not Wanted
Lubin should be assured to wish to tackle Murtazaliev, however he may stay to remorse it. This isn’t Jesus Ramos or Luis Arias that he’ll be dealing with. Furthermore, Murtazaliev is a a lot larger puncher than the 6’6″ Sebastian Fundora, who dished out a extreme beating of Lubin, remodeling his face right into a lion-esque look. His face appeared nothing like what it had initially of the battle.
“Nah, I don’t even like tune-ups. I’ll get in there with him,” mentioned Lubin about him being able to problem Murtazaliev for his IBF belt subsequent.
