Erickson Lubin hopes to maintain his momentum when he fights Nathaniel Gallimore on October 26 in Reading, Pennsylvania.
Lubin has scored three consecutive knockouts – all inside four rounds – since he was stopped in one round by then-middleweight titleholder Jermell Charlo in October 2017. That includes becoming the first to stop durable Ishe Smith.
If he wins in Reading, Lubin (21-1, 16 knockouts) will be a step closer to facing Charlo again or challenging one of the current titleholders – Julian Williams (IBF and WBA) or Tony Harrison (WBC) – next year. The chances of fighting Jamie Munguia (WBO) are remote because of promotional loyalties.
The Lubin-Gallimore card will be televised on Showtime.
“I think the 154-pound weight class is the best division in boxing,” said Lubin. “We have a lot of good fighters, but I don’t see any of the fighters in this division as unbeatable. I am completely focused on my fight on October 26, but if I can make a statement in this performance, I know I am knocking on the door of a world title shot.”
Lubin is favored to beat Gallimore, who replaced the injured Terrell Gausha.
Gallimore (21-3-1, 17 KOs) has some power and experience in important fights but has struggled over the past year, losing consecutive decisions to Williams and Patrick Teixeira before stopping unknown Antonio Todd in August.
Williams defeated Gallimore by a majority decision but two judges gave the winner a clear victory and most observers agree with that assessement.
Of course, Lubin must focus on the man in front of him. And he won’t problems finding Gallimore.
“Gallimore is a banger,” Lubin said. “He comes forward and puts a lot of pressure on his opponents. He has fought a lot of good fighters, like Julian Williams, and has nothing to lose. We’re both big punchers and the fans should expect an action-packed fight. I’m putting in the work so that I’m the last man standing.”
Lubin is concluding his third training camp in West Palm Beach, Florida, with veteran trainer Kevin Cunningham, who has worked with a number of world titleholders. Cunningham’s experience adds to his fighter’s confidence.
“It is great having Kevin Cunningham in my corner and running my camp,” Lubin said. “This is a 12-round fight and he has the experience working with world champions who have fought twelve rounds, so I know I’m in good hands. Camp has been intense, but I’m feeling good. I’m healthy and ready to leave it all in the ring.”
Former lightweight titleholder Robert Easter, another fighter trying to rebuild his career, is scheduled to face Adrian Granados (20-7-2, 14 KOs) in his junior welterweight debut on the card.
Easter (21-1-1, 14 KOs) lost his title to Mikey Garcia by a one-sided decision in July of last year and then drew with Rances Barthelemy in April.
