Erickson Lubin is listed as 5-foot-9½. Sebastian “Towering Inferno” Fundora is 6-5½ or 6-6, depending on the source. That’s a difference of at least 8 inches. Plus, as you could imagine, Fundora has much longer reach.
Will that be a problem for Lubin when they meet in a 12-round 154-pound bout Saturday in Las Vegas (Showtime)? He’s not concerned.
“We don’t underestimate anybody,” Lubin said at the final news conference before the fight, which is essentially a title eliminator. “He’s a tall statue of a guy, but skills pay the bills. We go into camp and we draw up a game plan and then we execute on fight night.
“He’s a good fighter who comes in shape, but my skills will be the difference.”
And while no one is taller than Fundora (18-0-1, 12 KOs) at junior middleweight, Lubin (24-1, 17 KOs) has faced opponents taller than he is.
“I fought in my 15th fight someone who was a couple inches shorter than Fundora,” said Lubin, referring to 6-1 Daniel Sandoval. “I’ve been in the ring with all types of people. I spar guys who are near Fundora’s height, including (6-1½) Jamontay Clark, who came into camp with me. The height doesn’t mean much to me.
“I have dynamite in both hands. I believe that I’m capable of blasting out everyone I’m in the ring with. I’m here to win.”
And, finally, Fundora generally doesn’t use his height and reach advantages. He likes to brawl, which obviously has worked for him.
He hinted at the news conference that fans will see much of the same in the fight against Lubin.
““I can guarantee this fight is going to be an inferno,” he said. “We’re number one and number two [in the WBC rankings]. Winner fights the champion for sure, so we’re going to give our all.”
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