By Ryan Burton
23-year-old Erickson "The Hammer" Lubin (20-1) officially moved back to contender status on Saturday night with a third round knockout of former champion Ishe Smith (29-11).
The fight took place on the Gervonta Davis-Hugo Ruiz undercard that was televised by Showtime live from the Diginity Health Sports Park in Southern California.
Lubin sent Smith to the canvas three times in the first round and once more in round 3. It was clear that Smith was in bad shape and not in any condition to continue which prompted his trainer Eddie Mustafa Muhammad to stop the fight after the third round.
Smith has been in the ring with a Who's Who list of super welterweight and middleweight prospects and champions in his career. Prior to Saturday night in Carson, California, he had never been stopped.
Lubin has now won 2 bouts in a row since being caught cold by then WBC super welterweight champion Jermell Charlo in October, 2017. His new trainer Kevin Cunningham wants him to stay active and build off the momentum that was created on Saturday.
"Hammer put on a spectacular performance Saturday night. He did what Danny Jacobs, Erislandy Lara, Tony Harrison, Julian Williams, Sergio Mora,Vanes Martirosyan and Randall Bailey couldn’t do and that is stop Ishe Smith," Cunninham told BoxingScene.com
"I’ve known Ishe for years and there’s nothing but love and respect for him. I wish him and his family nothing but the best. This was me and Hammer’s first camp and fight together. I’d like to give him three weeks off then right back in camp. Hopefully we can get back in the ring by May or June. After that (fight) anybody with a belt gotta give it up!"
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