Staff picks: Lubin vs Gausha

Saturday night on Showtime, Erickson Lubin and Terrell Gausha meet in a WBC eliminator at 154 pounds, headlining a three-fight PBC card from the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut.

This is a chance for both fighters to break out, as both have had world title fights already, each coming up well short. They’re also at different points in their careers — the 24-year-old Lubin is still seen as a potential star, while the 33-year-old Gausha may be getting his last good shot to get back to a world title fight.

Who wins? Our staffers make their picks.

How to Watch Lubin vs Gausha

Date: Saturday, Sept. 19 | Start Time: 9:00 pm ET
Location: Mohegan Sun, Uncasville, CT
TV: Showtime | Stream: Showtime.com

Scott Christ

I don’t think Terrell Gausha is a great fighter, but I do think he’s a really solid, capable fighter, and his specific type of experience could make him a real handful for Lubin. On paper, I feel Gausha is a strong step back up compared to the guys Lubin has beaten in his four wins since being wiped out in one by Jermell Charlo in 2017. Silverio Ortiz is a journeyman, Ishe Smith was at the end of his career, Zakaria Attou had an empty record that wasn’t even that good in the first place, and Nathaniel Gallimore didn’t have the right tools, though you could argue he’s not far off level from Gausha.

Gausha, a former Olympian, is steady in the ring, doesn’t do anything particularly special, but also doesn’t really beat himself. Erislandy Lara shut him down and largely befuddled him, but Lara’s done that to a lot of good fighters. And Gausha absolutely deserved a win over Austin Trout in 2019. Those two southpaws should prepare Gausha well for Lubin, and Gausha’s smart enough to ask real questions of Lubin, who has mostly been given prospect showcase type fights.

Gausha isn’t Jermell Charlo, but he’s closer to Charlo than the guys Lubin has beaten to date. I do think there’s a legitimate chance that the younger man can overpower Gausha and beat him down and look great, but I’m rolling the dice on the veteran to trip him up again. I’ve not yet been as sold on Lubin as some are. I can be convinced if he shines here. Gausha UD-12

Wil Esco

Erickson Lubin might’ve jumped up in class too fast, too soon when he was knocked out by Jermell Charlo in 2017, but to write him off completely would be a miscalculation. Three years later Lubin is still only 24 years old and still looks the part of a very talented up-and-comer. Lubin has won four straight fights heading into this one, three of them by stoppage, and I think he’s built his confidence back up to where he should soon again be challenging for another world title.

Gausha, on the other hand, is 33 years old and I think we’ve seen the best he’s got to offer. At his best I think Gausha is a solid gatekeeper type of fighter, and is the kind of fighter Lubin’s going to have to be able to get through if he’s ever to break through. Gausha is a rough, rugged fighter who’s not going to make it easy on Lubin, but I think Lubin takes him on the cards over the distance. Lubin UD-12

Patrick L. Stumberg

Terrell Gausha is the picture of functionality: high guard, stiff jab, fast cross behind it. Unfortunately, pure pragmatism doesn’t seem like the ideal answer to Lubin, as “The Hammer” is a solid technician in his own right and has the added advantages of superior speed and power. Gausha absolutely does not want to mix it up on the inside, and Lubin is more than sharp enough to make an outfight equally hazardous.

Without one-shot power or any sort of X-factor to overcome Lubin’s myriad advantages, Gausha’s only chance is to march Lubin down and somehow beat the fight out of him without getting walloped in the process. You’ll forgive me for not putting my faith in that outcome. Lubin controls the fight before catching Gausha as he throws and pouring it on for the finish. Lubin TKO-8

Lewis Watson

Lubin has looked very good since getting caught cold by Charlo in 2017. The former impressive amateur has been a real prospect for some time now, rebuilding solidly and knocking on the door for another shot at a 154-pound title.

Gausha is one of the members of the 2012 US Olympic team whose career never really exploded at the same rate as his peers. I’m not a huge fan of his style and can see him struggling against Lubin. Lubin’s fast hands and balance make him a nightmare from the southpaw stance and can see him cantering to a comfortable decision. Lubin UD-12

And the staff winner is…

Erickson Lubin (3-1)!