Lubin: Terrell Gausha isn’t on my level
The younger fighter is confident ahead of Saturday’s Showtime main event.
24-year-old Erickson Lubin has been seen as a potential breakout star in the 154-pound division for a few years, and this weekend, he looks to take a final step back toward a title shot in a WBC eliminator against Terrell Gausha.
Lubin (22-1, 16 KO) got a crack at the WBC belt in 2017, but was stopped in the first round by Jermell Charlo. He’s bounced back to win four straight and get some of his buzz back in the process. The former Olympian Gausha (21-1-1, 10 KO) figures to be his last hurdle, and Lubin is confident going into the bout.
“I respect him as a fighter, but I don’t think Gausha is on my level,” said Lubin. “He’s standing in my way of becoming a world champion, so I need to take care of business Saturday night, and look good doing it. I have to make a statement in this fight.”
As for that respect Lubin mentions, it seems genuine, but so does that confidence. Lubin feels he’s improved to the point that he can make the fight relatively easy.
“Gausha is a U.S. Olympian who’s fought at the championship level, so I know he’s going to bring that experience to the table,” he said. “This is a chance for me to show my growth in the ring and really separate myself as one of the elite fighters in this division.”
The title shot would presumably come against the winner of the Sept. 26 bout between Jermell Charlo and Jeison Rosario. They will unify the WBC, WBA, and IBF titles in a PPV fight, and the Lubin-Gausha winner will be right in line for a chance, potentially, at three title belts.
“This is a title eliminator, so everything is on the line for me,” Lubin said. “I have to bring the heat from the opening bell. We are in the business of entertaining the fans, so I’m coming with everything I’ve got. Fans can expect to see an explosive fight on Saturday night.”