Prime tremendous welterweight contenders Erickson “Hammer” Lubin and Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora will sq. off for the WBC Tremendous Welterweight Interim Title headlining motion reside on SHOWTIME on Saturday, April 9 in a Premier Boxing Champions occasion from the Theater at Virgin Accommodations Las Vegas, a part of Curio Assortment by Hilton.
The SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® telecast begins at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT and options former tremendous welterweight world champion Tony “Superbad” Harrison taking up extremely regarded contender Sergio Garcia within the 10-round co-main occasion, plus unbeaten tremendous welterweight Kevin Salgado battling Bryant Perrella within the 10-round telecast opener.
Tickets for the reside occasion, which is promoted by TGB Promotions, are on sale now and will be bought at AXS.com.
The stacked tripleheader of 154-pound showdowns is topped by two of the division’s hottest younger stars, because the streaking Lubin appears to stamp his ticket to a second world title alternative whereas the fast-rising Fundora brings his signature all-action fashion into the hardest contest of his profession so far. The victor might be in place to probably face the winner of the undisputed 154-pound championship rematch between Jermell Charlo and Brian Castaño, which takes place Saturday, Could 14 on SHOWTIME.
“There are few matchups extra tantalizing within the loaded tremendous welterweight division than Erickson Lubin vs. Sebastian Fundora,” stated Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Lubin has proven vital enchancment since his first world title combat and might add one other spectacular win to his resume on April 9. The towering Fundora has additionally made a significant mark on the division in his younger profession, capturing the creativeness of followers together with his spectacular stature and aggressive fashion. With two different 154-pound showdowns on the cardboard, followers can anticipate the drama and pleasure that this weight class has delivered time and again over latest years to proceed reside on SHOWTIME from Virgin Accommodations Las Vegas.”
The 26-year-old Lubin (24-1, 17 KOs) has put collectively a powerful six-bout profitable streak since a loss to unified 154-pound champion Jermell Charlo in 2017. In his most up-to-date outing, he knocked out former unified champion Jeison Rosario in June 2021. Previous to the Rosario combat, Lubin’s run included changing into the primary individual to cease former champion Ishe Smith and unanimous determination victories over Terrell Gausha and Nathaniel Gallimore. A local of Orlando, Fla., Lubin is skilled by acclaimed coach Kevin Cunningham as he continues his quest towards one other title alternative. After a stellar beginner profession, Lubin turned professional at 18 years outdated in 2013. He captured the eye of the boxing neighborhood at 19 when he turned one of many youngest prospects to ever seem on the developmental collection SHOBOX: The New Era and shortly after was named “Prospect Of The 12 months” by ESPN and Ring Journal in 2016.
“That is my likelihood to point out the world that I’m one of the best fighter within the division,” stated Lubin. “This may separate me from all the contenders I’ve been beating. I’ve been doing the champion’s job taking out all of the contenders, so there’s little doubt in my thoughts that I might be working the division actually quickly. I’ve a extremely tall fighter in entrance of me in Sebastian Fundora, however I understand how to make changes. We’ve introduced in the best sparring and have ready precisely how we’re presupposed to. Everybody ought to undoubtedly tune in, as a result of it’s ‘Hammer Time’ on SHOWTIME as soon as once more.”
Fundora (18-0-1, 12 KOs) continues to stand up the tremendous welterweight ranks and added his two most spectacular wins so far in 2021. Fundora kicked off the yr in Could by stopping the rugged veteran Jorge Cota in 4 rounds, earlier than defeating then unbeaten Sergio Garcia by unanimous determination in December. The six-foot-six brawler has reached this level by exhibiting off the talents of a rugged boxer who’s extra snug preventing on the within than most. Born in West Palm Seashore, Fla. to his Mexican mom and Cuban father and coach, Freddy – each boxers – the 24-year-old now lives and trains in Coachella, Calif.
“We have been working extraordinarily exhausting throughout this camp to be 100% coming into battle,” stated Fundora, whose all-action fashion has been in comparison with former world champion Antonio Margarito. “We’re ready for any circumstances that ought to come up and we’re anticipating a really skilled and properly ready Lubin on April 9, nothing much less. Our exhausting work and laser focus will lead us to victory on this combat. That is my likelihood to point out everybody the primary steps of what it means to be a champion.”
The delight of Detroit, Mich., Harrison (28-3-1, 21 KOs) spent his early boxing profession beneath the tutelage of the late Emanuel Steward within the legendary Kronk Fitness center. As knowledgeable, the 31-year-old remains to be thought of one of the crucial expert fighters within the sport regardless of arising quick in his first two makes an attempt at a world title. The third time was the appeal for Harrison, who shocked the boxing world in December 2018 by outpointing long-time world champion Jermell Charlo to earn the WBC title. Their rematch one yr later ranks among the many finest fights of 2019. Harrison and Charlo fought on even phrases till Charlo stopped him within the eleventh spherical to regain the belt. Harrison returned to the ring for the primary time since that combat in April 2021, preventing Bryant Perrella to a draw.
“I can’t wait to get again within the ring and show my expertise for the followers as soon as once more,” stated Harrison. “Garcia is aware of every little thing about me, however I solely know somewhat bit about him. So he has the benefit, however that’s simply how I prefer it. Don’t miss this combat on April 9!”
The 29-year-old Garcia (33-1, 14 KOs) made his U.S. debut in December 2021, dropping a aggressive determination in opposition to prime contender Sebastian Fundora. Preventing out of Torrelavega, Cantabria, Spain, Garcia has competed professionally since 2012. He ascended the rankings by touring to the U.Okay. to defeat then unbeaten Ted Cheeseman on his residence soil in 2019 and adopted that up with a conquer veteran contender Sergey Rabchenko. Garcia has added three victories since then, together with 2020 wins over Pablo Mendoza and Gregory Trenel.
“I’m very grateful to my crew for this nice alternative to combat in Las Vegas in opposition to a former world champion,” stated Garcia. “I’m wanting ahead to entering into the ring. Harrison is a superb champion and among the finest fighters within the division. However the way forward for my household is on the road on this combat and I need to win by knockout. My hope is that Sebastian Fundora wins his combat after which we will meet once more for a rematch.”
A local of Mexico Metropolis, Salgado (14-0, 9 KOs) is the youthful brother of former tremendous featherweight champion Juan Carlos Salgado and now fights out of San Antonio, Texas as he nears his U.S. debut on April 9. The 24-year-old turned professional in late 2016 and delivered knockouts in six of his first 9 outings. After scoring three-straight knockouts between September 2019 and February 2021, Salgado returned to the ring in October to defeat Ricardo Banuelos Cernas by unanimous determination. The triumph marked Salgado’s first 10-round combat, as he was in a position to sweep the playing cards in accordance with all three judges.
“I’m dealing with a great opponent and I anticipate us to present the followers an amazing combat,” stated Salgado. “I’m in glorious situation and targeted on my job within the ring on April 9. That is my alternative to open the eyes of everybody within the division and present that there’s a brand new contender prepared to return for the highest spot. Identical to my brother, I’ll develop into a world champion.”
The 32-year-old Perrella (17-3-1, 14 KOs) started boxing at age 15, amassing a powerful 70-9 beginner report earlier than turning professional in 2012. Preventing out of Fort Myers, Fla, Perrella rose rapidly via the professional ranks, stopping 13 of his first 14 opponents, together with a second-round TKO over beforehand unbeaten David Grayton in June 2016. Three months later, he suffered his first professional defeat in opposition to present welterweight world champion Yordenis Ugas. Perella bounced again with victories over Breidis Prescott and Domonique Dolton earlier than debuting at 154 kilos in April 2021. He challenged former champion Tony Harrison in his first tremendous welterweight combat and earned a split-draw of their 12-round contest.
“I do know that I’m dealing with a younger fighter coming for his American dream on April 9,” stated Perrella. “He’s hungry, undefeated and he doesn’t consider that he will be beat. However he’s by no means been within the ring with somebody like me earlier than. Not in sparring, not in an actual combat. I’m going to point out him the distinction between us when that bell rings.”
