In a clash that promises fireworks, undefeated WBC Interim Super Welterweight Champion Vergil Ortiz Jr. (23-0, 21 KOs) will defend his title against the battle-tested southpaw Erickson “The Hammer” Lubin (27-2, 19 KOs) this Saturday, November 8, at Dickies Arena. The 12-round main event, airing live on DAZN, isn’t just a title defense—it’s a gateway to superstardom, with the winner positioned as the next mandatory challenger for unified welterweight king Jaron “Boots” Ennis.
Ortiz, the 27-year-old knockout artist from Grand Prairie, Texas, enters his hometown arena as the most avoided man in the 154-pound division. With a blistering 91% knockout rate, Ortiz has turned skeptics into believers, most recently grinding out a gritty unanimous decision over Israil Madrimov in February to claim the interim strap. “Big names talk tough until my name comes up, then the phone goes silent,” promoter Oscar De La Hoya quipped during Thursday’s press conference. “But Lubin? He’s got the guts. This is the fight fans have been begging for—pure, unfiltered violence.”
Lubin, 30, from Orlando, Florida, arrives on a three-fight winning streak, including dominant stoppages over Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela and Jesus Ramos Jr. The former title challenger, who fell short against Jermell Charlo in 2017, brings technical finesse, sharp counterpunching, and a granite chin to the ring. “Vergil’s power is real, but so is mine,” Lubin declared, flashing a confident grin. “I’m here to hammer that undefeated record into the mat. Boots? That’s my future, but first, I’m taking what’s mine in Texas.”
A victory for Ortiz solidifies his reign as the division’s boogeyman, while Lubin could shock the world and leapfrog into elite contention. Expect a tactical chess match early, with Ortiz stalking forward behind a thudding jab and Lubin circling, looking to land his signature left hooks. Trainers on both sides predict a mid-round explosion—don’t be surprised if this one ends before the bell.
Golden Boy Promotions has stacked the card with talent across weights, making this a must-watch night for boxing die-hards. The co-main event features Houston’s Darius Fulghum (10-1, 9 KOs) battling David Stevens (15-2, 10 KOs) in a 10-round super middleweight bout, as Fulghum looks to rebound from a tough loss. Other highlights include:
Super Middleweight – Darius Fulghum (14-1, 12 KOs) vs. David Stevens (15-2, 10 KOs)
Middleweight – Amari Jones (14-0, 12 KOs) vs. Shady Gamhour (14-2, 9 KOs), middleweight
Heavyweight – Joshua Edwards (4-0, 4 KOs) vs. Zeno Vooris (5-1, 5 KOs), heavyweight
Middleweight – Eric Priest (16-0, 8 KOs) vs. Esneiker Correa (16-6-2, 14 KOs), middleweight
Doors open at 4:00 p.m. CT, with the prelims kicking off at 4:30 p.m. And here’s the best part: Fans can catch the preliminary livestream online and free on DAZN and Golden Boy Boxing YouTube channels, giving newcomers a no-risk entry into the night’s drama. From rising stars to regional rivalries, the undercard sets the stage for the main-event mayhem.
Tune in Saturday on DAZN starting at 7:00 p.m. CT for the full broadcast, with ring walks for Ortiz vs. Lubin expected around 10:00 p.m. CT. DAZN subscribers get every punch, every stare-down, in crystal-clear HD—no blackouts, no extra fees. New to the platform? Sign up for a free trial and dive into the world’s leading boxing stream.
This isn’t just a fight—it’s a statement. Will Ortiz extend his reign of terror, or will Lubin’s hammer finally crack the unbreakable? One thing’s certain: Dickies Arena will erupt, and the boxing world will never be the same. Strap in, Texas—Saturday night belongs to the sweet science.
