Lubin to Fight Cota in Co-Feature of Thurman-Garcia on March 4

An intriguing super welterweight showdown has been pegged as the co-feature for the mega fight between Keith Thurman and Danny Garcia next month. Unbeaten contender Erickson Lubin will square off against Jorge Cota for the right to fight for one of the 154-pound world titles.

Lubin (17-0, 12 KOs) will take on Cota in the opening bout of the telecast, with the winner landing the right to fight for the WBC 154-pound title, currently held by Jermell Charlo. Neither man has yet to fight for a world title and, as expected, the pressure is on and both are ready to rise to the occasion.

“I’m very excited that I have the opportunity to showcase my skills on CBS, especially on one of the most anticipated fight cards in boxing,” said Lubin. “I'm facing a tough, rugged fighter in Jorge Cota, who I know is coming to fight. He's got a lot of heart and fans are going to witness a great battle between two warriors who are going to leave everything in the ring. This will be my New York debut at Barclays Center in Brooklyn and I can't wait to give the fans a great performance.”

“I’ve been waiting for this opportunity for over a year and I am looking forward to becoming the mandatory for the championship on March 4,” added Cota (25-1, 22 KOs). “Lubin has never faced a crafty fighter like me. Lubin has some experience, but I will be his first real challenge. Don’t be surprised if I knock him out.”

Premier Boxing Champions announced the matchup Wednesday afternoon, helping to bolster the marquee for what was already arguably the biggest fight of the first half of 2017. The event will go down March 4 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y., and will be on CBS at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. The night of action is a part of Showtime Championship Boxing on CBS presented by PBC.