There is a budding “bromance” between Bucs Pro Bowl wideout Mike Evans and the next big superstar of boxing, Erickson Lubin.
"He told me he’s a big fan of me, as I am of him," said Lubin.
"Told him I was a fan, he said he was a fan of me and the Bucs," said Evans, who caught 12 touchdown passes last year with 1,321 receiving yards.
Evans, a known boxing fan, has a Muhammad Ali tattoo on his forearm. Evans, cross-trains by getting in the ring himself and Lubin is a new inspiration.
"I’m 18-0 with 13 knockouts," said Lubin, catching a football crowd up on his fast-rising career. "Right now I’m the number one contender for the WBC title."
His manager is currently negotiating his next fight which is expected to be in August.
The 21-year-old Orlando native is nicknamed "The Hammer" and he delivered during his last fight at the Barclays Center on the Keith Thurman (Clearwater) card.
"It actually sold out that night," said Lubin of the March 4th fight against Jorge Cota. "I had a big knockout in front of 3.5 million people on TV. It was on CBS Showtime."
Lubin recognizes the same star qualities and tenacity in Evans.
"He’s a fighter, just like I am,"said Lubin. "He goes out there and gives it his all every game."
When not nearly as many people are watching Evan uses boxing to elevate his arsenal.
"Like hands and quickness," said Evans of what boxing skills help him on the football field. "When I do boxing workouts I work my hands off the line and its good hand-eye coordination."
"I’d tell him stick behind the jab," said Lubin when asked for advice for Evans. "Keep the jab in his opponent's face at all times."
"We wish him nothing but the best moving forward," said Evans. "He’s a young fighter, up and coming fighter. Very explosive and fun to watch."
Just like the 1-2 combination of Jameis Winston and Evans.