Could a one-punch, first-round knockout loss be a good thing for a fighter? In Erickson Lubin’s case, maybe so.
Lubin had just turned 22 years old when he lasted only 2 minutes, 41 seconds against 154-pound titleholder Jermell Charlo in October 2017, the result of a crushing right hand from which he couldn’t recover.
Four-plus years later he’s not only a step away from his second opportunity to fight for a major belt – perhaps against the winner of Charlo-Brian Castano II – but he also has earned added respect for his ability to bounce back from disaster.
“I’m the poster child for all the young guys facing adversity, how to come back from a loss,” said Lubin, who is scheduled to face Sebastian Fundora in a title eliminator on April 9 in Las Vegas (Showtime).
Lubin (24-1, 17 KOs) said the loss had no impact on his confidence in spite of its brutal nature. “Never,” he said when asked whether his belief in himself wavered.
The setback also hardened his focus on his boxing career, he said. He understood better than ever the sacrifices he would have to make to become a world champion. That included moving his camp from his native Orlando to West Palm Beach, Florida, where trainer Kevin Cunningham has refined his all-around game.
The results make that clear. He’s 6-0 since the loss, including impressive victories over big-time opponents Ishe Smith, Nathaniel Gallimore, Terrell Gausha and, most recently, former titleholder Jeison Rosario.
That’s why the worst night of his career might’ve been a boon in the long run.
“Honestly, it might’ve been a blessing in disguise,” he said. “People have told me that. And it’s growing on him a little bit. It was a lesson learned that changed my life. … It made me change things up. To be the best, you gotta make sacrifices. That’s what I did.
“I moved away from my hometown, got a new trainer. That’s why I’m here today, No. 1 in the WBC and basically No. 1 in the division.”
Of course, some observers with long memories will continue to doubt Lubin.
Once a fighter suffers the fate he did against Charlo many wonder whether it will happen again. Lubin recognizes that. All he can do is continue to win and ultimately get that title belt wrapped around his waist, which is all that matters.
“Certain people still got things to say, still doubt me,” he said. “I’m going to continue to prove myself inside the ring. If they doubt me, so be it. I believe in what I have going on. My job is to go in the ring and take care of business every time out.
“Once you prove yourself, you have to prove yourself again and again and again. That’s how boxing works.”