Miami, FL (June 30, 2014) At the age of 18, heralded welterweight prospect ERICKSON ‘The Hammer” LUBIN has been the talk of the boxing world in 2014 and will return to battle at “JUDGMENT DAY” on Thursday, July 10 at the American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida and LIVE On FOX Sports 1 in a scheduled eight round bout against Mexican veteran NOE “Platanito” BOLANOS.
Former heavyweight champion and boxing legend MIKE TYSON, now head of Iron Mike Productions, spoke about his young, undefeated charge and the process of him being moved rapidly.
“There are exceptions to the rule, I was one, and I believe that Erickson Lubin will be one,” said Tyson of the 5-0 southpaw, Lubin who has stopped all of his opponents.
“We have some very young talent that we will develop slowly, but this kid is different. He clearly has great talent, but he is also mentally tough and he’s ahead of everyone at this age, and he can handle it. He left the amateurs because he got bored, he wanted a challenge.”
“The first day in our gym he said that he wanted to spar with the best pros in the world. After a few months in the gym, we had to send him out on the road to other cities and other gyms where he could spar with the best.”
Speaking specifically about his first five fights, Hall of Famer Tyson said, “When we have matched him in fights with contemporaries, everyone has said that we fought him too soft. There is no competition in four round fights or six round fights for him. The only way to really see him develop and to challenge him is to step him up. That is what he wants. Actually that is what he demands. And when he has gone and sparred with some of the best guys in the world he has been dominant. This kid is one of the most exciting young fighters on the planet. He is fast, he boxes and he’s like me – mean and he likes to hurt people.”
“It is my duty as a promoter to showcase this kid and let the fans see him and enjoy this fighter. You will see, he is exciting, he is aggressive, he takes risks and that is entertaining.”
Accolades for Lubin have also come from two of the most respected trainers in the boxing world.
Said legendary boxer Mickey Ward whose career was portrayed in the award winning movie, ‘The Fighter’, “First time I saw this kid sparring he was 17. He went against a pro that was ranked and thrashed him. I knew then he was the real deal”.
“He is the best I have seen in forty years in boxing,” commented Pedro Rogue current USA boxing coach, and former coach of the Cuban National team.
Fighting out of Orlando, Florida, Lubin will be making the fifth start of his 2014 campaign, most recently dropping Jovan Ramirez four times on his way to a second stoppage on April 18 in Monroeville, Pennsylvania.
The 27-year old Bolanos, 25-9-1 (16KO’s), is coming off an eight round unanimous decision win over Felipe Gonzalez on September 21, 2013 in Sonora, Mexico.
Over the course of his ten-year professional career, Bolanos has faced numerous contenders and highly regarded prospects including Vivian Harris, Victor Cayo, Ed Paredes, Luis Ramos Jr. and Rene Gonzalez.
Concluded Tyson, celebrating his 48th birthday on Monday; “People have not really seen Lubin in his first five fights. That’s why we have him fighting a tough, experienced veteran. I’m excited and I want our fans to see this kid.”
“If you guys are hungry for the next baddest man on the planet at welterweight you need to tune in July 10th and check him out.”
“JUDGMENT DAY” is headlined by a 12-round IBF Junior Lightweight Championship rematch between champion ARGENIS “La Tormenta” MENDEZ and challenger RANCES “Kid Blast” BARTHELEMY.
Co-featured on the FOX Sports 1 telecast will be a 10-round light heavyweight clash between world ranked contender HUMBERTO “EL Don” SAVIGNE and former world champion JEFF “Left Hook” LACY.
A sensational off-TV undercard for “JUDGMENT DAY” will be announced shortly.
For more information on “JUDGMENT DAY” please visit the website, www.IMPMIAMI.com. Advance tickets, starting at $49 may be purchased through www.Ticketmaster.com with V.I.P Ringside Table Packages also available.
The American Airlines Arena is located at 601 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, Florida, 33132. For more information, please visit their website at www.aaarena.com. Doors will open on the evening of the event at 6:30 p.m. with the first bell at 8:00 p.m.
For additional information on Iron Mike Productions visit www.IronMikeProductions, follow on Twitter at @IronMikeProd and on Facebook at IronMikeProductionsOfficial.
