2025-11-07 11:38:33

Vergil Ortiz Jr. is focused on beating Erickson Lubin before turning his attention to Jaron Ennis.

The Texas Machine, 27, will face The Hammer, 30, on November 8 at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas, and with negotations ongoing for a clash with Boots, 28, next year, Ortiz Jr. is all-in on defeating Lubin first.

Speaking with BoxingScene, he said of the Ennis fight: “It’s in the back of mind – I’m not thinking about it.”

He joked: “When there’s someone in front of you who wants to punch you in the face, it’s not that hard not to not think about [what’s next].”

Despite noting Boots is yet to have a super-welterweight title shot since moving up to the division last month, Ortiz Jr. emphasised Ennis is no joke.

He said: “Even though Jaron doesn’t have a title after just moving up, I think he’s still a renowned fighter, and a win against him on my resume would speak volumes.

“Whatever the fans want … and I don’t think the fans complain when I fight.”

Ortiz added: “I want to prove to myself that I’m one of the best boxers of today. This is the only way I can do it.”

Otiz Jr.’s promoter Oscar De La Hoya said the Lubin bout had the potential to become a “Rock ‘Em, Sock ‘Em Robots fight” since The Texas Machine is typically trying to inflict as much pain on his opponent as possible, while The Hammer will be desperately trying to regain a title shot following his one-punch knockout defeat to Jermell Charlo,35 , in 2017.

Hoya said: “Both guys are skilled, both want to hurt and knock each other out and both want to put on a good show.

“Both guys are on the incline, and yet we’re catching two guys with literally everything to lose. That’s why it’ll be a great fight.”

The promoter insisted Ortiz Jr. had the chance to “taste superstardom” with the fight.

He said: “I strongly feel that Vergil Ortiz will be the next superstar in boxing. He’s on the right path, on the right trajectory, fighting the right guys. Beating Lubin will obviously take him to a superfight.

“He has the opportunity to win Saturday, and he has the opportunity to taste superstardom.”

Visit Bang Premier (main website)