Jared Anderson stopped overmatched Rodney Hernandez at 2:22 of the fourth round of a scheduled six-round bout Saturday in Las Vegas.
Jared Anderson stopped overmatched Rodney Hernandez at 2:22 of the fourth round of a scheduled six-round bout on the Jamel Herring-Jonathan Oquendo card Saturday in Las Vegas.
Anderson (6-0, 6 KOs) wanted to get in some rounds and demonstrate that he is a good boxer. Mission accomplished on both counts.
The Toledo, Ohio product used his beautiful left jab effectively, making it difficult for the aggressive Hernandez (13-10-2, 4 KOs) to get anything done. And Anderson demonstrated an ability to move that is unusual for a man his size, 6-foot-4 and around 250 pounds.
However, in the end, it was Anderson’s power punches that wore down Hernandez and ultimately stopped him. Hernandez collapsed under a barrage of punishing blows and the referee waved off the fight.
“It was about getting in those rounds and showing that I can box, that I’m not just a puncher,” Hernandez said. “I know how to box, I know how to stay on my back foot.”
Jared Anderson stopped overmatched Rodney Hernandez at 2:22 of the fourth round of a scheduled six-round bout Saturday in Las Vegas.
Jared Anderson stopped overmatched Rodney Hernandez at 2:22 of the fourth round of a scheduled six-round bout on the Jamel Herring-Jonathan Oquendo card Saturday in Las Vegas.
Anderson (6-0, 6 KOs) wanted to get in some rounds and demonstrate that he is a good boxer. Mission accomplished on both counts.
The Toledo, Ohio product used his beautiful left jab effectively, making it difficult for the aggressive Hernandez (13-10-2, 4 KOs) to get anything done. And Anderson demonstrated an ability to move that is unusual for a man his size, 6-foot-4 and around 250 pounds.
However, in the end, it was Anderson’s power punches that wore down Hernandez and ultimately stopped him. Hernandez collapsed under a barrage of punishing blows and the referee waved off the fight.
“It was about getting in those rounds and showing that I can box, that I’m not just a puncher,” Hernandez said. “I know how to box, I know how to stay on my back foot.”
DeAndre Ware has a skill set that goes beyond boxing. And a life might’ve saved as a result Friday in Las Vegas.
DeAndre Ware has a skill set that goes beyond boxing. And a life might’ve saved as a result Friday in the MGM Grand Conference Center in Las Vegas.
Ware, an emergency medical technician and firefighter from Toledo, Oho, reportedly performed CPR on a Top Rank coordinator believed to be in cardiac arrest shortly before the weigh-in for his fight against Steven Nelson on Saturday.
The fighter then continued to work with an onsite doctor until paramedics arrived to take Pete Susens to a hospital. Susens was responsive and communicating, a Top Rank spokesman told ESPN.
Ware tweeted: “I’m here for my fight but I had to put EMS skills to work and do some cpr. Happy to say the guy was talking a bit and was alert headed to the hospital. I’m thankful! I feel I saved a life.”
Ware, a 32-year-old super middleweight, has boxed professionally since 2014 while working full-time as a firefighter. He is scheduled to face Nelson in a 10-round bout on the Jamel Herring-Jonathan Oquendo card inside the MGM Grand “bubble” on ESPN+.
“I have to just get training in when I can on my days off,” Ware said. “They have a workout facility there at the fire station, so I can train there. They have a punching bag and a treadmill and weights and stuff, so I can work out there.”
Ware (13-2-2, 8 KOs) is 1-2 in his last three fights. He’s coming off a knockout loss to Vladimir Shishkin in August of last year.
Nelson (16-0, 13 KOs) stopped Cem Kilic in eight rounds in January. Kilic outpointed Ware in 2018.
DeAndre Ware has a skill set that goes beyond boxing. And a life might’ve saved as a result Friday in Las Vegas.
DeAndre Ware has a skill set that goes beyond boxing. And a life might’ve saved as a result Friday in the MGM Grand Conference Center in Las Vegas.
Ware, an emergency medical technician and firefighter from Toledo, Oho, reportedly performed CPR on a Top Rank coordinator believed to be in cardiac arrest shortly before the weigh-in for his fight against Steven Nelson on Saturday.
The fighter then continued to work with an onsite doctor until paramedics arrived to take Pete Susens to a hospital. Susens was responsive and communicating, a Top Rank spokesman told ESPN.
Ware tweeted: “I’m here for my fight but I had to put EMS skills to work and do some cpr. Happy to say the guy was talking a bit and was alert headed to the hospital. I’m thankful! I feel I saved a life.”
Ware, a 32-year-old super middleweight, has boxed professionally since 2014 while working full-time as a firefighter. He is scheduled to face Nelson in a 10-round bout on the Jamel Herring-Jonathan Oquendo card inside the MGM Grand “bubble” on ESPN+.
“I have to just get training in when I can on my days off,” Ware said. “They have a workout facility there at the fire station, so I can train there. They have a punching bag and a treadmill and weights and stuff, so I can work out there.”
Ware (13-2-2, 8 KOs) is 1-2 in his last three fights. He’s coming off a knockout loss to Vladimir Shishkin in August of last year.
Nelson (16-0, 13 KOs) stopped Cem Kilic in eight rounds in January. Kilic outpointed Ware in 2018.
Jamel Herring said the second postponement of his title defense against Jonathan Oquendo allowed him to fully recover from COVID-19.
Jamel Herring had a tough fight just getting to the opening bell. And we can’t be certain that it’s over until we hear it ring.
Herring was originally scheduled to defend his junior lightweight title against Jonathan Oquendo on July 2 in the MGM Grand “bubble” in Las Vegas. However, Herring tested positive for COVID-19 and the fight was postponed.
Then, after it was rescheduled for July 14, Herring tested positive again, forcing another postponement.
Now, more than two months after the original date, Herring and Oquendo are set to meet on Saturday in the same venue barring yet another positive test.
“I just feel like everything happens for a reason,” Herring said. “It’s not like I was the only one suffering. It’s a global pandemic, so I can’t really complain too much. I’m just glad that I have a great team.
“… I’m just grateful. Despite all the setbacks, I’m still able to handle business.”
Jamel Herring (left) defends his 130-pound title against Jonathan Oquendo on Saturday night. Mikey Williams / Top Rank
Herring (21-2, 10 KOs) laid out his coronavirus journey to RingTV.com, which began in late June.
At first, he felt relatively minor fatigue and body aches, which he attributed to hard training. Then came fever and chills, which prompted him to visit a doctor. He tested positive for the virus.
Herring continued to train in preparation for the second date – even though he had minor symptoms, including difficulty breathing – and tested negative before he left for Las Vegas.
“By the time Top Rank rescheduled it for July 14 I was already getting back in the groove during my time in quarantine,” Herring told RingTV.com. “I still went out for morning runs to keep my weight down and keep my body active.
“I wasn’t down for the count from the virus. I had the minor symptoms. I could still taste and smell.”
Then, when he arrived at the MGM Grand, it happened again: another positive test.
“It was definitely a shock,” he said. “It was a roller coaster. I had a lot of mixed feelings in my head. Top Rank kept me calm. They said, ‘Look, we’re gonna reschedule the fight.’ So, I was calm and cool about things.
“They pushed it back this far to make sure it was completely out of my system, and here we are now.”
In other words, the second postponement was a blessing in disguise. Herring is back to being Herring.
“It was for the best,” he said. “I believe I will go into this fight a lot more sure of myself and without doubts. I feel like the old me again, like I never had the virus.”
The stakes are high for Herring, who has an agreement in place to meet former junior featherweight and featherweight titleholder Carl Frampton later this year if he gets past Oquendo (31-6, 19 KOs).
The 37-year-old Puerto Rican is no pushover. He has a solid skill set, has experience in big fights and is hungry to win his first world title late in his career. At the same time, he has come up short in his biggest fights. That includes setbacks against Juan Manuel Lopez, Wilfredo Vazquez Jr., Abner Mares and Jesus Cuellar in his only world title fight.
“I look at this fight like people are going to be more looking at how I look coming off this virus,” said Herring, 34. “Of course, I’m not taking him for granted … or overlooking anyone because to get to the bigger fights I have to get past him.
“For me, this fight is like to measure how I do with a guy like this because it’s no secret that Carl Frampton is definitely the guy that’s next. There’s no other fight out there for me but Carl Frampton right now, especially in 2020.
“My goal is to see how I look and feel coming off the long layoff because I haven’t fought since last November and go from there.”
Jamel Herring said the second postponement of his title defense against Jonathan Oquendo allowed him to fully recover from COVID-19.
Jamel Herring had a tough fight just getting to the opening bell. And we can’t be certain that it’s over until we hear it ring.
Herring was originally scheduled to defend his junior lightweight title against Jonathan Oquendo on July 2 in the MGM Grand “bubble” in Las Vegas. However, Herring tested positive for COVID-19 and the fight was postponed.
Then, after it was rescheduled for July 14, Herring tested positive again, forcing another postponement.
Now, more than two months after the original date, Herring and Oquendo are set to meet on Saturday in the same venue barring yet another positive test.
“I just feel like everything happens for a reason,” Herring said. “It’s not like I was the only one suffering. It’s a global pandemic, so I can’t really complain too much. I’m just glad that I have a great team.
“… I’m just grateful. Despite all the setbacks, I’m still able to handle business.”
Jamel Herring (left) defends his 130-pound title against Jonathan Oquendo on Saturday night. Mikey Williams / Top Rank
Herring (21-2, 10 KOs) laid out his coronavirus journey to RingTV.com, which began in late June.
At first, he felt relatively minor fatigue and body aches, which he attributed to hard training. Then came fever and chills, which prompted him to visit a doctor. He tested positive for the virus.
Herring continued to train in preparation for the second date – even though he had minor symptoms, including difficulty breathing – and tested negative before he left for Las Vegas.
“By the time Top Rank rescheduled it for July 14 I was already getting back in the groove during my time in quarantine,” Herring told RingTV.com. “I still went out for morning runs to keep my weight down and keep my body active.
“I wasn’t down for the count from the virus. I had the minor symptoms. I could still taste and smell.”
Then, when he arrived at the MGM Grand, it happened again: another positive test.
“It was definitely a shock,” he said. “It was a roller coaster. I had a lot of mixed feelings in my head. Top Rank kept me calm. They said, ‘Look, we’re gonna reschedule the fight.’ So, I was calm and cool about things.
“They pushed it back this far to make sure it was completely out of my system, and here we are now.”
In other words, the second postponement was a blessing in disguise. Herring is back to being Herring.
“It was for the best,” he said. “I believe I will go into this fight a lot more sure of myself and without doubts. I feel like the old me again, like I never had the virus.”
The stakes are high for Herring, who has an agreement in place to meet former junior featherweight and featherweight titleholder Carl Frampton later this year if he gets past Oquendo (31-6, 19 KOs).
The 37-year-old Puerto Rican is no pushover. He has a solid skill set, has experience in big fights and is hungry to win his first world title late in his career. At the same time, he has come up short in his biggest fights. That includes setbacks against Juan Manuel Lopez, Wilfredo Vazquez Jr., Abner Mares and Jesus Cuellar in his only world title fight.
“I look at this fight like people are going to be more looking at how I look coming off this virus,” said Herring, 34. “Of course, I’m not taking him for granted … or overlooking anyone because to get to the bigger fights I have to get past him.
“For me, this fight is like to measure how I do with a guy like this because it’s no secret that Carl Frampton is definitely the guy that’s next. There’s no other fight out there for me but Carl Frampton right now, especially in 2020.
“My goal is to see how I look and feel coming off the long layoff because I haven’t fought since last November and go from there.”
Jonathan Oquendo never lost faith that his title challenge against Jamel Herring would take place.
Jonathan Oquendo has already done this drill twice. And that’s OK with him. One thing the Puerto Rican junior lightweight has learned during the coronavirus pandemic is patience.
Oquendo was scheduled to challenge for Jamel Herring’s 130-pound title on July 2 but the fight was postponed after Herring tested positive for COVID-19. It was rescheduled for July 14 and pushed back again as a result of another positive test from Herring.
The fighters are now set to meet on Saturday in the MGM Grand “bubble” in Las Vegas on ESPN+.
“I’ve learned to be patient,” Oquendo told Boxing Junkie through a translator. “And I’ve learned also to have more respect for society in the situation we’re in. I haven’t been leaving my house. I’ve enjoyed time with my family and I’ve been dedicated to my craft in the gym. That’s all I’ve been doing.”
Oquendo (31-6, 19KOs) has been training for the fight since the two agreed to terms in late May, more than three months ago.
He and his team have careful to pace themselves, though. Oquendo has continued to train hard but has also taken strategic breaks so he’s fresh when he steps into the ring to face Herring (21-2, 10 KOs) in the MGM Grand ballroom.
“In boxing you always have to be focused,” Oquendo said. “Obviously, with the pandemic, it’s been difficult. You have to adapt. If you want anything in boxing, you have to adapt. … I’ve kept my focus, I’ve kept training hard. I’ve just dropped the intensity at times. It’s important to find times to rest.
“I’m in the best condition of my life. My weight is good. I’m only one pound over the weight [limit] right now. I’m ready for whatever he’s going to bring.”
Is he worried that the fight might be postponed a third time? Not really.
“I don’t think so,” he said. “Top Rank has done a great job [with precautions]. They’ve supervised Herring. I’ve been supervised. We’ve been professionals. It can’t happen again.”
That said, Oquendo is eager to hear the opening bell. The 37-year-old from Bayamon was considering retirement at recently as 2018. He was in his mid-30s, no one was calling him about big fights and he was relatively inactive.
Then, with the backing of Cotto Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions, he decided to give it one more run. He’s 4-1 since his failed attempt to take Jesus Cuellar’s featherweight title in 2015, losing only a competitive decision to Lamont Roach in May of last year.
The fight against Herring will be his second – and final? — chance to win a world title.
“I’m ready for that first bell,” he said. “I’ve given everything I have to get the victory for Puerto Rico. It really needs it right now. And I want to give my family something I’ve always wanted, to become a world champion.
“I’m at a good point in my life. When God tells me to hang up the gloves I’ll be able to show my kids that age doesn’t matter. It’s your intentions that matter. You can get what you want if you work hard.”
Jonathan Oquendo never lost faith that his title challenge against Jamel Herring would take place.
Jonathan Oquendo has already done this drill twice. And that’s OK with him. One thing the Puerto Rican junior lightweight has learned during the coronavirus pandemic is patience.
Oquendo was scheduled to challenge for Jamel Herring’s 130-pound title on July 2 but the fight was postponed after Herring tested positive for COVID-19. It was rescheduled for July 14 and pushed back again as a result of another positive test from Herring.
The fighters are now set to meet on Saturday in the MGM Grand “bubble” in Las Vegas on ESPN+.
“I’ve learned to be patient,” Oquendo told Boxing Junkie through a translator. “And I’ve learned also to have more respect for society in the situation we’re in. I haven’t been leaving my house. I’ve enjoyed time with my family and I’ve been dedicated to my craft in the gym. That’s all I’ve been doing.”
Oquendo (31-6, 19KOs) has been training for the fight since the two agreed to terms in late May, more than three months ago.
He and his team have careful to pace themselves, though. Oquendo has continued to train hard but has also taken strategic breaks so he’s fresh when he steps into the ring to face Herring (21-2, 10 KOs) in the MGM Grand ballroom.
“In boxing you always have to be focused,” Oquendo said. “Obviously, with the pandemic, it’s been difficult. You have to adapt. If you want anything in boxing, you have to adapt. … I’ve kept my focus, I’ve kept training hard. I’ve just dropped the intensity at times. It’s important to find times to rest.
“I’m in the best condition of my life. My weight is good. I’m only one pound over the weight [limit] right now. I’m ready for whatever he’s going to bring.”
Is he worried that the fight might be postponed a third time? Not really.
“I don’t think so,” he said. “Top Rank has done a great job [with precautions]. They’ve supervised Herring. I’ve been supervised. We’ve been professionals. It can’t happen again.”
That said, Oquendo is eager to hear the opening bell. The 37-year-old from Bayamon was considering retirement at recently as 2018. He was in his mid-30s, no one was calling him about big fights and he was relatively inactive.
Then, with the backing of Cotto Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions, he decided to give it one more run. He’s 4-1 since his failed attempt to take Jesus Cuellar’s featherweight title in 2015, losing only a competitive decision to Lamont Roach in May of last year.
The fight against Herring will be his second – and final? — chance to win a world title.
“I’m ready for that first bell,” he said. “I’ve given everything I have to get the victory for Puerto Rico. It really needs it right now. And I want to give my family something I’ve always wanted, to become a world champion.
“I’m at a good point in my life. When God tells me to hang up the gloves I’ll be able to show my kids that age doesn’t matter. It’s your intentions that matter. You can get what you want if you work hard.”
Jonathan Oquendo never lost faith that his title challenge against Jamel Herring would take place.
Jonathan Oquendo has already done this drill twice. And that’s OK with him. One thing the Puerto Rican junior lightweight has learned during the coronavirus pandemic is patience.
Oquendo was scheduled to challenge for Jamel Herring’s 130-pound title on July 2 but the fight was postponed after Herring tested positive for COVID-19. It was rescheduled for July 14 and pushed back again as a result of another positive test from Herring.
The fighters are now set to meet on Saturday in the MGM Grand “bubble” in Las Vegas on ESPN+.
“I’ve learned to be patient,” Oquendo told Boxing Junkie through a translator. “And I’ve learned also to have more respect for society in the situation we’re in. I haven’t been leaving my house. I’ve enjoyed time with my family and I’ve been dedicated to my craft in the gym. That’s all I’ve been doing.”
Oquendo (31-6, 19KOs) has been training for the fight since the two agreed to terms in late May, more than three months ago.
He and his team have careful to pace themselves, though. Oquendo has continued to train hard but has also taken strategic breaks so he’s fresh when he steps into the ring to face Herring (21-2, 10 KOs) in the MGM Grand ballroom.
“In boxing you always have to be focused,” Oquendo said. “Obviously, with the pandemic, it’s been difficult. You have to adapt. If you want anything in boxing, you have to adapt. … I’ve kept my focus, I’ve kept training hard. I’ve just dropped the intensity at times. It’s important to find times to rest.
“I’m in the best condition of my life. My weight is good. I’m only one pound over the weight [limit] right now. I’m ready for whatever he’s going to bring.”
Is he worried that the fight might be postponed a third time? Not really.
“I don’t think so,” he said. “Top Rank has done a great job [with precautions]. They’ve supervised Herring. I’ve been supervised. We’ve been professionals. It can’t happen again.”
That said, Oquendo is eager to hear the opening bell. The 37-year-old from Bayamon was considering retirement at recently as 2018. He was in his mid-30s, no one was calling him about big fights and he was relatively inactive.
Then, with the backing of Cotto Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions, he decided to give it one more run. He’s 4-1 since his failed attempt to take Jesus Cuellar’s featherweight title in 2015, losing only a competitive decision to Lamont Roach in May of last year.
The fight against Herring will be his second – and final? — chance to win a world title.
“I’m ready for that first bell,” he said. “I’ve given everything I have to get the victory for Puerto Rico. It really needs it right now. And I want to give my family something I’ve always wanted, to become a world champion.
“I’m at a good point in my life. When God tells me to hang up the gloves I’ll be able to show my kids that age doesn’t matter. It’s your intentions that matter. You can get what you want if you work hard.”
Jonathan Oquendo never lost faith that his title challenge against Jamel Herring would take place.
Jonathan Oquendo has already done this drill twice. And that’s OK with him. One thing the Puerto Rican junior lightweight has learned during the coronavirus pandemic is patience.
Oquendo was scheduled to challenge for Jamel Herring’s 130-pound title on July 2 but the fight was postponed after Herring tested positive for COVID-19. It was rescheduled for July 14 and pushed back again as a result of another positive test from Herring.
The fighters are now set to meet on Saturday in the MGM Grand “bubble” in Las Vegas on ESPN+.
“I’ve learned to be patient,” Oquendo told Boxing Junkie through a translator. “And I’ve learned also to have more respect for society in the situation we’re in. I haven’t been leaving my house. I’ve enjoyed time with my family and I’ve been dedicated to my craft in the gym. That’s all I’ve been doing.”
Oquendo (31-6, 19KOs) has been training for the fight since the two agreed to terms in late May, more than three months ago.
He and his team have careful to pace themselves, though. Oquendo has continued to train hard but has also taken strategic breaks so he’s fresh when he steps into the ring to face Herring (21-2, 10 KOs) in the MGM Grand ballroom.
“In boxing you always have to be focused,” Oquendo said. “Obviously, with the pandemic, it’s been difficult. You have to adapt. If you want anything in boxing, you have to adapt. … I’ve kept my focus, I’ve kept training hard. I’ve just dropped the intensity at times. It’s important to find times to rest.
“I’m in the best condition of my life. My weight is good. I’m only one pound over the weight [limit] right now. I’m ready for whatever he’s going to bring.”
Is he worried that the fight might be postponed a third time? Not really.
“I don’t think so,” he said. “Top Rank has done a great job [with precautions]. They’ve supervised Herring. I’ve been supervised. We’ve been professionals. It can’t happen again.”
That said, Oquendo is eager to hear the opening bell. The 37-year-old from Bayamon was considering retirement at recently as 2018. He was in his mid-30s, no one was calling him about big fights and he was relatively inactive.
Then, with the backing of Cotto Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions, he decided to give it one more run. He’s 4-1 since his failed attempt to take Jesus Cuellar’s featherweight title in 2015, losing only a competitive decision to Lamont Roach in May of last year.
The fight against Herring will be his second – and final? — chance to win a world title.
“I’m ready for that first bell,” he said. “I’ve given everything I have to get the victory for Puerto Rico. It really needs it right now. And I want to give my family something I’ve always wanted, to become a world champion.
“I’m at a good point in my life. When God tells me to hang up the gloves I’ll be able to show my kids that age doesn’t matter. It’s your intentions that matter. You can get what you want if you work hard.”
