Erickson Lubin Delivers On Nickname; “Hammer” Drops On Cota

Erickson Lubin auditioned to be a baller at 154, taking on Jorge Cota of Mexico at Barclays Center on Saturday evening, and on CBS.

Baller status was maybe reached; a long left landed as Cota jabbed, and down went Cota, hard, in the fourth.

He beat the count but was too groggy and the ref halted the proceedings. The time was 1:25, officially.

Lubin, who debuted pro in 2013, entered with a 17-0 mark after trekking from Florida. Cota was 23-1.

In the first, it was a feel out special.

In the second, the lefties sized each other up more. Cota looked to counter, while Lubin jabbed to the body. He pressed forward, had Cota on the ropes, bounced, slid, won the round.

In the third, Cota again started slow. He worked in tight, slipped, then countered. Cota then went righty, but ate clean shots. The crowd loved Lubin’s work, and he stayed smart, as the tricky Cota was keen to counter. Lubin jabbed to emphasize his good work at the tail end of the round.

In the fourth, Cota got caught on the ropes and had to hug. Then he got dropped. He beat the count but was too hazy.

Here are post fight quotes: