Jamel Herring vs. Jonathan Oquendo - September 5, 2020

[Ruthless-RKO]

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Press Release

Jamel “Semper Fi” Herring and Mikaela Mayer, both of whom are healthy following recent positive COVID-19 test results that delayed their fights, are primed for their “Bubble” debuts.

U.S. Marine veteran Herring will make his second world title defense against Puerto Rican challenger Jonathan “Polvo” Oquendo on Tuesday, July 14, at the MGM Grand Conference Center — Grand Ballroom.

In the co-feature, undefeated 2016 U.S. Olympian Mayer will fight former world title challenger Helen Joseph in a 10-round junior lightweight showdown.

The undercard will feature the anticipated “Bubble” encore of “Cassius” Clay Collard, who will fight LT “Smash” Nelson in a six-round middleweight bout. Collard, 3-0 in 2020 (all against previously undefeated fighters), took the “0” from highly decorated prospect David Kaminsky on June 18.

Herring-Oquendo, Mayer-Joseph, Collard-Nelson, and additional undercard action will air live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

“Jamel and Mikaela wanted to come back as soon as possible, and we were happy to oblige them,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “They are healthy and ready to put forth tremendous performances.”

Herring (21-2, 10 KOs) makes his 2020 debut following a banner 2019 that saw him upset Masayuki Ito to win the title, and outpoint Lamont Roach Jr. in front of more than 7,000 fans at an outdoor baseball stadium in Fresno, Calif. Herring and Oquendo were set to fight July 2 but Herring’s COVID-19 results delayed the fight 12 days. Herring, the 2012 U.S. Olympic boxing team captain, is 5-0 since inking a multi-fight deal with Top Rank.

Herring said, “I am back, healthy and 100 percent ready to defend my world title. Oquendo is a tough opponent who realizes this is his last chance to win a world title. He’s coming for what I have and I’m not going to cut any corners. I will return home to celebrate with my family and my belt.”

Oquendo (31-6, 19 KOs), from Bayamon, Puerto Rico, challenged Jesus Cuellar for a featherweight world title in December 2015 and is 5-1 since moving up to junior lightweight. He earned the title shot following last November’s shutout decision win over Charles Huerta, which came off the heels of a controversial decision loss to Roach Jr.

Oquendo said, “We know Jamel is a slippery, tall, left-handed fighter who has an advantage in range, but we are working for that and we know that we will have no problems. My company knows how hard I fight and how hard I train. Fans like Jonathan Oquendo because he makes for great fights.”

In less than three years as a professional, Mayer (12-0, 5 KOs) has become one of the faces of female boxing. She closed out her 2019 campaign last October with a sixth-round stoppage over Alejandra Soledad Zamora. The Los Angeles native is on track for a world title shot this year, but she must defeat Joseph (17-4-2, 10 KOs), a native of Lagos, Nigeria, who is coming off a competitive decision loss to former lightweight champion Delfine Persoon.

Mayer said, “After having two fights canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic, I am relieved and excited to be back and grateful to Top Rank for getting me back on a card so quickly. I'm not the fighter you last saw in October. I’ve had three camps to peak myself and grow as an athlete. A whole new fighter is stepping in that ring on July 14, so I hope Helen is ready.”

[Ruthless-RKO]

In undercard action:

Puerto Rican featherweight prospect Luis Melendez (8-1, 6 KOs) will take on Edward “Kid” Vazquez (7-0, 1 KO) in an eight-rounder. Two of Vazquez’s last three wins have come against previously undefeated opponents, while Melendez has won six in a row since the lone defeat of his career.

Colombian puncher Ruben “El Tigrillo” Cervera (11-2, 10 KOs) will fight Clay “3rd Degree” Burns (9-8-2, 4 KOs) in a six-rounder at lightweight. Cervera was stopped by Miguel Marriaga last May, but he returned with a knockout win over Luis Carlos Lugo in October. Burns made a notable “Bubble” impression on June 25, losing an action-filled split decision to Reymond Yanong.

Unbeaten junior lightweight prospect William Villa (4-0) will face Eduardo Sanchez (2-2) in a four-rounder.

[world ranked]

Herring a good story. I'm picking Oquendo. I thought he beat Roach cleaner than Herring did. I know that doesn't matter but I'm not really high on Herring.

[diddy]

Oquendo is a 10-1 underdog.

[world ranked]

Oquendo is a 10-1 underdog.

I got it at 8 to 1.

[Ruthless-RKO]

BLH: Herring vs Oquendo: Staff picks and predictions

Scott Christ

Jamel Herring has been one of my favorite “stories” in boxing over the last little while. He’s a humble, determined guy I’ve interacted with a bit in the past, when he took minor issue with my description of his abilities at some point, not getting huffy or offended about it or anything but just saying he’d prove me wrong. He has, and he’s done so in a really odd way, dropping down in weigh in his 30s, finding the exact right trainer for him, switching promotional companies, and winning a world title.

The main talk here is whether or not Herring will be in top form after a bout with coronavirus that postponed this fight two weeks. He’s said he feels good if maybe not quite 100 percent. Is 90 percent of Herring good enough to beat Oquendo? Yes. Is 80 percent? Maybe not, as style-wise Oquendo likes to push the pace. But I’m going to assume Jamel is 90 percent or better, in which case the key will be controlling the distance and not letting Oquendo set the tempo. I think he’ll be able to do that, but doesn’t be surprised if Oquendo nicks a few rounds or makes this a bit closer than expected on paper. Herring UD-12

Wil Esco

Can’t lie, I’ve really liked what I’ve seen from Herring ever since he made the move to link up with Team Crawford. Herring seems like he’s been getting the proper tutelage and motivation which has upped his game and he’s making the most out of his talents. Herring is 34 at this point, which isn’t old, but he’s no spring chicken in boxing either so I’d really like to see him make the most of this while he’s flying high.

In this matchup he’ll be going against a man in Oquendo who is a little older than he is, but still a capable opponent who could make things scrappy for Herring if he finds himself underprepared. But judging by the work Herring has been putting in the gym over the past few months (at least from what I’ve seen on social media), I’m not really worried about that too much. In the end I think Herring’s confidence is at an all-time high and that can really only benefit him at this stage of his career. Herring isn’t much of a thumper, so I’ll just take him to win a clear decision on the cards. Herring UD-12

Patrick L. Stumberg

Watching pieces of the Herring-Roach fight, I get the impression that Herring’s instincts can work against him at times. He doesn’t like to let punches go unanswered; if opponents step in deep to attack, he can prioritize doing damage in return over getting out of harm’s way. That nearly cost him against Roach late in the 11th round and it’s not a safe mindset to have against a pressure fighter as determined as Oquendo.

Even with half a foot of height and three inches of reach on Oquendo, this fight will likely boil down to Herring’s mindset and cardio. If he prioritizes staying mobile and can do so for 12 rounds, Oquendo will never manage to get any momentum going. Between Herring’s COVID diagnosis and this summer’s penchant for upsets, though, I’m sorely tempted to further establish myself as “Semper Fi’s” nemesis and pick the underdog. More likely, though, Herring spends half an hour jabbing and check hooking Oquendo into oblivion. Herring UD-12

Lewis Watson

Herring often operates best in a fight when he can pump out his jab at ease and control the tempo. With the physical advantages he’ll have over Oquendo, I’m expecting a fairly comfortable night’s work for the American. Oquendo should be kept at a distance throughout the contest, unable to get to work on the inside against the likeable champion. I wouldn’t be shocked if we saw a complete shutout here. Herring UD-12

And the staff winner is...

Jamel Herring (4-0)!

[margaret thatcher]

Covid boi's fight off again

[Ruthless-RKO]

Covid boi's fight off again

Herring again.. flipping eck.

[world ranked]

SHit'd the WBO should strip Herring and give the belt to covid FFS.

[ldlamb]

I don’t believe for a second that he had the virus on June 22......it was gone by early July and now he has it again...I’m not saying there is any shenanigans....I just think these tests are not reliable at all.

[diddy]

The sports world is really gonna feel the wrath of these tests when NBA stars start getting peeled off the court in the NBA playoffs for alleged positive tests when they don’t have 1 symptom. That’ll be sweet. Get this god damn vaccine going so we can put this crap behind us please. It’s horrible we have to practically stop our lives to protect people who have been treating their bodies like crap their entire lives.

[bobcatbox]

COVID ruined this card. At least we get to see our boy Clay Collard in action again.

[Jeff_lacy_ko]

I don’t believe for a second that he had the virus on June 22......it was gone by early July and now he has it again...I’m not saying there is any shenanigans....I just think these tests are not reliable at all.

There are reports if you had the virus in the past 3 months and developed antibodies you could still show as positive on subsequent tests

[ldlamb]

Well that’s not good For sports resumption if any positive test Is going to cancel stuff.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Jamel Herring Back in Camp

Junior lightweight world titlist Jamel Herring, who has had a defense against Jonathan Oquendo postponed twice because of positive Covid-19 tests, is rescheduled to fight him again.

The fight is due to headline a Top Rank Boxing on ESPN card on Sept. 5 from “the bubble” inside the conference center at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, which also played host to Top Rank’s Tuesday and Thursday cards for most of June and July.

Top Rank promoter Bob Arum said he has his fingers crossed that Herring’s issues with the coronavirus are now over and that he will be able to successfully defend his 130-pound world title and set up a major fall fight with former featherweight and junior featherweight world titlist Carl Frampton.

“You’re not Dr. (Anthony) Fauci and I’m not Dr. Fauci, so who the hell knows, but I can’t believe he will be positive again. I just think you wait six weeks and it’s gone and we can do the fight. But do I really know? No,” Arum told Boxing Scene.

Herring (21-2, 10 KOs), 34, a Coram, New York, native and Marine Corp. veteran, was initially supposed to make his second defense against Oquendo (31-6, 19 KOs), 36, of Puerto Rico, on July 2 but the fight was postponed when Herring tested positive and showed mild symptoms.

The bout was rescheduled for July 14, but when Herring arrived in Las Vegas two days before the bout he was tested upon his arrival and quarantined in his room while awaiting the test results, which turned up positive the morning before the fight. The next day he tested negative with most believing that the second test result was a false positive. However, the protocols put in place by the Nevada State Athletic Commission and Top Rank meant the fight had to be scrapped for the second time.

But Herring messaged BS.com on Monday and said he was getting ready to fight Sept. 5.

“We’re more than willing (and) happy to honor our contract,” Herring said.

Herring returned to trainer Brian McIntyre’s camp in Omaha, Nebraska, and began training again on Monday.

“He’s fine,” said McIntyre, also confirming to Boxing Scene that the fight with Oquendo would take place on Sept. 5. “Matter of fact, after Jamel tested positive the second time, the very next day he tested negative. We all thought it was a false positive. So we took it on the chin. He went home for two weeks and came back on Monday. We are picking up where we left off.

“There’s four weeks left of training but we’re definitely being careful. We won’t go right back to sparring 12 rounds. We don’t want him to overtrain. We’ll cut it back down but he will stay in shape. He was disappointed the fight with Oquendo had to be called off for the second time because this fight is his biggest payday so far and he was looking forward to that.”

McIntyre revealed that he also tested positive for Covid-19 shortly after Herring’s first positive test, and he was not that surprised.

“I tested positive right after Jamel did. He probably gave it to me because we work the pads together,” McIntyre said. “I had mild symptoms so I coached from across the gym with a mask on, yelling at the coaches and Jamel.”

He said the others at his gym, including welterweight world titlist Terence Crawford and former junior welterweight titlist Maurice Hooker, were tested as a precaution and were negative for the coronavirus.

If all goes well for Herring on Sept. 5 and if Frampton (27-2, 15 KOs), 33, of Belfast, Northern Ireland, wins a tune-up fight against Armenia native Vahram Vardanyan (21-1-1, 14 KOs), 31, on Aug. 15 at the BT Sports studios in London, the plan is for Herring and Frampton to meet later in the year.

“Bob did tell me after this fight it will be Frampton after that,” McIntyre said. “As long as we come out unscathed and Frampton also, I think it’s supposed to be late November or the beginning of December.”

It’s a fight Frampton is also looking forward to.

“The Jamel Herring fight was meant to happen in the summer but got ruled out (because of the coronavirus pandemic), so this (against Vardanyan) is a fight that keeps me busy and keeps me active. Hopefully, I get the win here, and then we can have the Herring fight for the world title later this year or in early 2021," Frampton said.

[margaret thatcher]

Jamel 'King Covid' Herring

[JxhDel.]

Usual Herring decision win.

[Ruthless-RKO]

As reported late last month, Jamel Herring is once again slated to face Jonathan Oquendo on September 5th in Top Rank’s “Bubble.” This marks the third attempt to put this fight together, as Herring tested positive for COVID before planned July 2nd and July 14th dates.

“This postponement is a blessing in disguise because I feel 10 times better than I did three weeks ago,” Herring said. “I’m grateful to have another opportunity to get back in the ring. I’ve fully recovered from COVID-19, and I’m more than ready for anything Jonathan Oquendo brings on September 5. Our team has a great game plan, and we are eager to carry it out.”

“I am delighted with finally getting this opportunity to challenge Herring for his world title, as the fight has been canceled twice because of COVID-19,” Oquendo said. “At one point, I thought that maybe the battle was not going to happen, but thanks to God, we are now ready for September 5.

“We are going to win. We are in a very positive mindset. We are going to leave everything in the ring. It’s now or never. It would be a great accomplishment to become a world champion at 37. That’s what we are going to do.”

Should Herring (21-2, 10 KO) come out victorious, he’s expected to then face Carl Frampton in November assuming Frampton wins his upcoming gimme against Darren Traynor.

The co-feature sees unbeaten super middleweight Steven Nelson (16-0, 13 KO) take on ShoBox veteran DeAndre Ware (13-2-2, 8 KO). Nelson started the year strong with a stoppage of Cem Kilic on ESPN’s Joe Smith Jr.-Jesse Hart card, while Ware has a win over Ronald Ellis sandwiched between losses to Kilic and Vladimir Shishkin.

“I’ve been training and staying ready in Omaha with my team,” Nelson said. “Now it’s time to clock in for overtime. No audience? I don’t need cheers to do my job. I’m focused on the task at hand, which is to defeat DeAndre Ware.”

[Cent0089]

Waiting months for this B class fight is just awful. Why they wont made Herring - Frampton fight in september.

[blanca]

something fishy about this fight

[Ruthless-RKO]

something fishy about this fight

In what way?

[margaret thatcher]

something fishy about this fight

[Ruthless-RKO]

Fight Week!!

[Ruthless-RKO]

Oquendo: Was Disappointed When I Heard Herring Wanted To Move On From Our Fight

Jonathan Oquendo has literally grown older waiting on a promised title shot, to the point where coming out with nothing to show for it was never going to be an option.

The squat junior lightweight contender from Vega Alta, Puerto Rico has seen two separate dates with reigning WBO titlist Jamel Herring fall prey to COVID-19, having celebrated his 37th birthday while waiting on a third try at a first fight. The two were due to collide on July 2 live on ESPN from MGM Grand Conference Center (The Bubble) in Las Vegas, only to suffer a delay prior to both parties breaking camp after Herring tested positive for coronavirus.

A rescheduled fight date of July 14 made it all the way to the morning of the weigh-in, when the fight was once again scratched after Herring (21-2, 10KOs) produced the equivalent of a false positive. It meant heading back home from Las Vegas for Oquendo, where he learned that talks had surfaced of title fight plans being scrapped altogether.

There was a brief period of consideration for Herring to instead enter a non-title fight before entering a high-profile showdown versus former two-division champion Carl Frampton later this year.

“I’m not gonna lie; I was a little disappointed when I heard he wanted to move on,” Oquendo told Boxing Scene.

Such talks proved to be nothing but that, as cooler heads prevailed in getting the fight scheduled for a third time. The two will now meet on September 5, once again at The Bubble in an ESPN+ headlining act. It took a little more than simply allowing the honor system to play out, but with Oquendo’s team sitting down with Top Rank, Herring’s promoter to ensure that the right thing was done in the end.

“Everything went smooth and cordial between companies,” Bryan Pérez, executive director of Promociones Miguel Cotto—Oquendo’s co-promoter along with Golden Boy Promotions—informed BS.com. “It came up and we discussed it calmly. The idea was to keep the fight on. We made the decision to make the fight happen. Everyone did their part and Jonathan is getting his title shot.”

The fight marks the first shot at a full title for Oquendo, a 16-year pro whose lone other appearance on this stage was in a 12-round loss to Jesus Cuellar for a secondary featherweight title in December 2015. The opportunity came on the heels of arguably his career-best win, a 10-round decision over former 130-pound titlist Jhonny Gonzalez three months prior.

Oquendo has won five of his last six starts since the loss to Cuellar. His lone defeat within that stretch came in a 10-round decision to unbeaten Lamont Roach, who went on to challenge Herring for the title, dropping a hard-fought decision to the Coram, New York-bred southpaw last November.

Five days after Herring’s win over Roach came Oquendo’s most recent ring appearance, a 10-round shutout of veteran trialhorse Charles Huerta. The feat had as much to do with his being selected for this opportunity as does his physical dimensions. At 5’4, Oquendo poses a similarly-sized style matchup to that of Belfast’s Frampton whom Herring was supposed to face in June prior to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

A fight date has been penciled in for mid-November in Las Vega, though Oquendo can have plenty to say about that. At the very least, he is given the chance to disrupt those plans—something that was considered to have no longer been in the cards.

“I just stayed composed,” Oquendo said in waiting out the process to secure his title fight. “I kept both feet on the ground, continued to train and put my faith in God’s hands that everything would work out the way it was supposed to.

“Now here we are with the fight happening on September 5. I can’t ask for anything more.”

[Fightnight Scores]

something fishy about this fight

In what way?

Come on now!