Skills and wit have never been the first attributes that come to mind when discussing the career of Luis Arias. Grit, determination, and a never say die attitude is more apropos. Arias, however, doesn't believe that any of those attributes were given a chance to shine this Saturday night against Erickson Lubin.
Early on, Arias appeared outgunned. Lubin blasted him with a consistent jab and used crafty footwork in order to get to spots where Arias couldn’t retaliate. In the fifth, Arias was forced into the ropes. Moments later, he was kissing the canvas.
Arias was seemingly dazed from Lubin’s right hand and crawled to a knee as referee Zachary Young began his count. While he was cognizant, Arias (20-4-1, 9 KOs) took his time before making his way back to his feet. The only problem was, Young officially waved things off.
It was a close call for Arias but he vehemently protested Young’s decision. Even after he was given a bit of time to reflect on what took place, Arias believes that he should have been given more leeway. With a career built on durability and toughness, Arias is vexed that his record now represents a fighter who was soundly beaten.
“Last night was some bullsh!t,” said Arias just a few minutes after his loss to Lubin during a self-recorded video. “I clearly got up at nine. Now because of a bad call by the ref, I got a knockout loss.”
For Arias, he’s hit the deck a total of five times throughout his career. But, outside of his showdown against Lubin, Arias has refused to be stapled to the mat.
His face immediately after didn't have a single bruise. Also, as he continued his diatribe, Arias’ fists were still wrapped and he appeared to still be in fight mode. Deprived of what he feels was an opportunity to show his perseverance, Arias is convinced that, while he was down on the scorecards, things between him and Lubin were just getting good.
“Man, I was not hurt. The fight was just getting started, we was only halfway through.”