Sometimes, it isn’t about what you know but rather, who you know.

Erickson Lubin believes his boxing roadmap has been filled with roadblocks, pitfalls and dead ends. Despite being a 12-year pro and one of the best fighters at 154 pounds, he's fought for a world title just once, losing to Jermell Charlo via first-round knockout in 2017.

Since then, Lubin has been on a roll, winning nine of his last 10 fights. Still though, that hasn't been quite enough to earn another crack at the big stage among the world's elite.

As he continues to figure out what he should do next, Lubin (27-2, 19 KOs) watched as Xander Zayas became the sport's youngest world champion after outpointing Jorge Garcia last weekend.

While most fans crammed into their seats at Hulu Theater in New York's Madison Square Garden cheered, Lubin was busy shaking his head. He believes the Puerto Rican titleholder is a solid fighter but mostly credits his team.

"He’s a young fighter who has some of the best matchmakers in boxing behind him," Lubin told The Ring recently. "They gave him the easiest route to the title."

Zayas (22-0, 13 KOs) is proud of his WBO strap. As the belt was draped over his shoulders, he was nearly in tears.

Lubin, seven years his senior at 29, is ambivalent towards it all. He can't believe the favorable hand the six-year pro has been dealt.

Ultimately however, things could soon change for the Florida southpaw.

Having scored an 11th-round stoppage win over Ardreal Holmes Jr. at Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee, Florida, on May 10, Lubin moved into the IBF's No. 1 spot at junior middleweight. It's unclear whether he'll get the next shot at unbeaten champion Bakhram Murtazaliev as Britain's Josh Kelly has been making noise about a matchup.

If they can agree terms, Lubin would be pleased. However, the IBF route isn't his only option as he's also the WBO's No. 5 contender and that will likely rise after recent results — just a few positions away from becoming Zayas' mandatory.

At 154 pounds, Sebastian Fundora and Terence Crawford are the division's other two champions. Lubin believes Zayas isn't on their level, and is more than willing to prove it.

"No disrespect to him personally, I just didn’t think his performance was too threatening, especially with the opponent he had in front of him," Lubin said. “He might be the weakest champion in the division. I'd love to mix it up with him and get the fight made."