Erickson Lubin speaks on coach Cunningham and championship ambitions
Following a three year journey to arrive at this point, Erickson “The Hammer” Lubin (22-1, 16 KO’s) is on the verge of his second shot at a world title. On Saturday September 19, 2020, he will take on Terrell Gausha (21-1-1, 10 KO’s) in a must-win WBC super welterweight title eliminator.
The victor of which is aiming to get the first crack at the winner of the WBC super welterweight champion Jermell “Iron Man” Charlo (33-1, 17 KO’s) and WBA super and IBF world super welterweight champion Jeison “Banana” Rosario (20-1-1, 14 KO’s) unification bout. As he prepares for this tremendously important prizefight, the Hammer is very grateful to call Coach Kevin Cunningham his chief second.
DYNAMIC DUO
When Lubin initially challenged the aforementioned Jermell Charlo, he came up short. The heavy-handed Texan managed to stop the Hammer in the first round. After the bitter defeat, Lubin retained the services of the well-known disciplinarian Coach Cunningham. It was a move that he believes has been paying dividends ever since.
Rather than shrinking away from the loss, Lubin chose to use it as fuel for his internal fire. Once he incorporated Cunningham into his team, he found that his training acquired more of a laser-like focus. It was an addition that he believes has greatly advanced his overall approach to the ring, as he revealed in a recent virtual round table.
“He has definitely advanced my skill set. Also he is hands on, so he is there every step of the way during training camp. When I am running he is there, when I am in strength and conditioning he is there. So you know, working with him, I knew that I would get my game to another level.”
“And being able to adjust in the ring, whatever he calls out and gives me, he is hands on with me. That definitely boosted by game to another level.”
NOTHING PERSONAL, ALL ABOUT THE BELTS
Given that a shot at three titles hangs in the balance, both Lubin and Gausha are naturally extremely motivated to win this title eliminator. Some would like to believe that the Hammer would want Charlo to win his unification dust-up. This is because it was Jermell Charlo who put the sole blemish on his record and sullied his first attempt at world title.
If Charlo were to best Rosario, Lubin would have the chance to get some very poetic revenge. However, the seasoned Floridian is not concerned with chasing Charlo specifically. Rather than concerning himself pursuing Iron Man, he is on the hunt for belts and not fighters. And that is why he has no desire for either fighter in particular to win. All he wants is his opportunity to fight the winner.
“Well I am number one in the WBC right now. So if none of them boys want to fight, they going to have to give up that belt, the WBC belt. But I’m sure those are tough guys and they are willing to fight anyone. And after I take care of business on Saturday night, we’re looking forward to one of those guys, whoever comes out on top of Charlo and Rosario and we going to get it on for all those belts!”
By: Bakari Simpson
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