Lubin Earns 2nd World Title Shot With UD Victory Over Gausha
Uncasville, CONN. (September 19, 2020) — At one loss a piece, in one of boxing’s hottest divisions, Super Welterweights Erickson Lubin and Terrell Gausha arrived at the Mohegan Sun Casino with serious business to address. The winner would move on for a hard to earn second crack at a world title shot – possibly one with multiple belts on the line.
Lubin, a 24-year old Orlando, Florida resident, entered the ring on a 4-fight win streak – including three stoppages – after his disappointing first-round KO loss to WBC champion Jermell Charlo in October 2017. Gausha represented the U.S. at the Olympics in 2012, and dropped a unanimous decision to then-WBA champion Erislandy Lara in Brooklyn, New York on the same night Lubin suffered his setback.
The action was measured for the majority of the fight in Uncasville, as both men operated as if there was a slim margin for error. Lubin lived up to his statement made prior to the fight. Ultimately, the Florida native was younger, hunger and just better than Gausha at every facet of boxing.
Lubin (23-1, 16 KOs) fought wisely and controlled the action by out-boxing Gausha (21-2-1, 10 KOs) most of each frame for all 12 rounds. Save for a couple of spirited rounds from Gausha, including a brief moment when the former Olympian staggered the younger fighter in the 10th, Lubin was the better fighter.
Lubin’s leg buckled as he backed away following Gausha’s right hand. Gausha moved in to attempt to capitalize on the opening, but Lubin recovered. In round 12 Lubin landed the powerful right hand he had looked for all night. In one of the few instances Gausha was backed into a corner, Lubin dropped the crushing right hand in over Gausha’s lowered left glove. His head snapped around but he fought on, failing to ever get Lubin in trouble again.
After 12 rounds of nearly error-free boxing Lubin earned his 23rd win with scorecards of 115-113, 116-112 and 118-110. The decision puts him in a position awaiting the winner of next Saturday night’s WBC champion Charlo versus IBF and WBA champion Jeison Rosario’s unification fight in the same venue Lubin secured his second title shot.
Lubin’s completed his climb back up the mountain, but even securing a chance to stand on the summit could prove difficult to happen if Charlo prevails. Erasing the memory of failing to make it out of the first round in title shot No. 1 could be tough in an unforgiving business.
Round one was a jab exhibition between the two fighters. The action stayed in the center of the ring with both fighters engaging tactically. Lubin, the southpaw, shot his right jab crisply, and Gausha popped his left jab. Few chances were taken by either fighter.
The two exchanged jabs to the body in the early going of round two. The action stayed clear of the ropes, as the pair circled one another attacking responsibly. Lubin appeared to land the best shot of the round, in a frame with sparse flush connects.
The action remained intriguing in the third frame, as the pair often stood with their left and right forward feet within inches of one another. Few eruptions ensued. Both fighters fired jabs with varied purpose, and each held the phone with regards to defense.
Gausha scored well with his right hand in the fourth. Lubin fought poised but seemed to grow impatient throughout the round, finding it difficult to open Gausha up for his power.
Gausha maintained his waiting game in the fifth round. The Cleveland native landed a sharp jab early. Gausha inched forward to shoot punches to Lubin’s body. Most of the landed shots were inconsequential once again.
Lubin attempted to assert himself early in round six. He tapped with his jab and looped some shots to explore different angles. He found minimal success. Lubin scored with a sharp right jab in the final minute.
The fighters stood with their lead feet within inches of one another to open the seventh round. They exchanged leather early, but everything remained very controlled.
The offense picked up a notch in round eight. Early on Lubin attempted to punch through Gausha’s guard and create an opening. Both men let their hands go. Lubin chopped away at the 2012 Olympian’s body.
The opening of round nine followed the increased offense trend. Gausha landed a winging right hook. The action settled back in center-ring. The two circled and fired punches. Gausha defended shots with his guard while Lubin relied on upper body movement and knocking down shots with his gloves.
Gausha finally exploded in the tenth round. He rocked Lubin momentarily, after landed a right hand on Lubin’s temple. The opening was created when he threw the punch after pushing Lubin away.
Gausha moved inside early in round 11 to test Lubin’s steadiness. The clock started to become an issue for Gausha, but the Cleveland native repeatedly set up in the real estate he needed to have the kind of moment that could affect the outcome of the fight.
A right hook from Lubin finally landed flush. This was payoff for continued to walk towards Gausha despite likely being up on the cards. Gausha opened the final round looking to complete his comeback. However, once he started retreating Lubin finally got Gausha into the corner where the right hook landed over the Olympian’s lowered left hand.
All photos by Amanda Westcott/Showtime
