Jamel Herring made a strong impression with a first-round knockout of journeyman Nick Molina on Tuesday in New York City.
No journeyman is going to beat Jamel Herring, even a 38-year-old version.
That became obvious quickly on Tuesday night at Edison Ballroom in New York City, where the former 130-pound titleholder needed less than one full round to take out Nick Molina in a scheduled eight-round 133-pound fight.
It was Herring’s first victory since he stopped Carl Frampton in 2021, which was followed by back-to-back losses to Shakur Stevenson — which cost him his belt and momentum — and Jamaine Ortiz.
The left-handed New Yorker had been out of the ring since May of last year.
“I had to make a statement,” Herring said afterward. “… At the end of the day everyone thought I was over the hill and said whatever, that I didn’t have it anymore. [New trainer] Wayne McCullough said from the jump that I have more in the tank.
“… You can make it an ugly win or you can make an impression.”
Herring (24-4, 12 KOs) made an impression early, hammering Molina (13-1, 5 KOs) with a straight left that might’ve broken his nose.
Then, about half way through the round, a combination put Molina down for the first of two times. Herring dropped the Lowell, Massachusetts fighter again in the final seconds, which prompted referee Arther Mercante Jr. to stop the fight.
The official time of the stoppage was 2:49.
McCullough was among those impressed.
“When he first came to me, I said, ‘Do you still want it?’” said McCullough, a former 118-pound champ. “He said right away that he wanted it. So we worked the last few weeks. … And you saw tonight what he did. He got the fight over with quickly.”
What’s next for Herring, who has taken part in five world title fights?
His first choice would be to take a trip over the pond to the U.K., where some of the top 130-pounders reside. As he said, “I want to fight the best.”
“I want to go on a European tour,” he said. “What I mean by that is I want to fight guys like my friend (and beltholder) Joe Cordina, Leigh Wood or even Josh Warrington.
“And I would gladly go to the U.K. If I can’t get that, I know my boy Lamont Roach has a big fight coming up (against titleholder Hector Luis Garcia). I know he wants to run it back (after losing to Hering in 2019).
“If not that, I’d love to come back home to New York. Or I’d love to fight in my second home of Cincinnati, Ohio.”
Yes, Herring suddenly has a lot of options again. He’s back, at least for now.
Jamel Herring made a strong impression with a first-round knockout of journeyman Nick Molina on Tuesday in New York City.
No journeyman is going to beat Jamel Herring, even a 38-year-old version.
That became obvious quickly on Tuesday night at Edison Ballroom in New York City, where the former 130-pound titleholder needed less than one full round to take out Nick Molina in a scheduled eight-round 133-pound fight.
It was Herring’s first victory since he stopped Carl Frampton in 2021, which was followed by back-to-back losses to Shakur Stevenson — which cost him his belt and momentum — and Jamaine Ortiz.
The left-handed New Yorker had been out of the ring since May of last year.
“I had to make a statement,” Herring said afterward. “… At the end of the day everyone thought I was over the hill and said whatever, that I didn’t have it anymore. [New trainer] Wayne McCullough said from the jump that I have more in the tank.
“… You can make it an ugly win or you can make an impression.”
Herring (24-4, 12 KOs) made an impression early, hammering Molina (13-1, 5 KOs) with a straight left that might’ve broken his nose.
Then, about half way through the round, a combination put Molina down for the first of two times. Herring dropped the Lowell, Massachusetts fighter again in the final seconds, which prompted referee Arther Mercante Jr. to stop the fight.
The official time of the stoppage was 2:49.
McCullough was among those impressed.
“When he first came to me, I said, ‘Do you still want it?’” said McCullough, a former 118-pound champ. “He said right away that he wanted it. So we worked the last few weeks. … And you saw tonight what he did. He got the fight over with quickly.”
What’s next for Herring, who has taken part in five world title fights?
His first choice would be to take a trip over the pond to the U.K., where some of the top 130-pounders reside. As he said, “I want to fight the best.”
“I want to go on a European tour,” he said. “What I mean by that is I want to fight guys like my friend (and beltholder) Joe Cordina, Leigh Wood or even Josh Warrington.
“And I would gladly go to the U.K. If I can’t get that, I know my boy Lamont Roach has a big fight coming up (against titleholder Hector Luis Garcia). I know he wants to run it back (after losing to Hering in 2019).
“If not that, I’d love to come back home to New York. Or I’d love to fight in my second home of Cincinnati, Ohio.”
Yes, Herring suddenly has a lot of options again. He’s back, at least for now.
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.”
Jonathan Oquendo was ready to retire from boxing as recently as last year. Now he’s fighting for a world title.
Jonathan Oquendo was thinking seriously about retirement as recently as 2018.
The Puerto Rican slugger was in his mid-30s, had been fighting hard since 2004 and, most important, it seemed as if meaningful opportunities had dried up. He had fought only once in almost three years after he lost a decision to then-featherweight beltholder Jesus Cuellar in 2015, his only major title shot.
Then, with the backing of co-promoter Miguel Cotto Promotions and Golden Boy, the crowd-pleaser was afforded one more run at glory.
Now, at 36, he’s only days away from his second opportunity to fight for a major belt. He faces junior lightweight titleholder Jamel Herring on Tuesday night inside the MGM Grand bubble in Las Vegas.
“I didn’t know I would get this opportunity,” Oquendo told Boxing Junkie through a translator. “I was about to say goodbye to the sport. I thought I only had a few fights left. To get this opportunity is marvelous.”
Oquendo (31-6, 19 KOs) has the reputation of being a durable, reliable fringe contender who will give his all every time he steps through the ropes but come up short.
Jonathan Oquendo (left) shut out Charle Huerta in November, his most recent fight. Kyle Monroe / Hoganphotos-Golden Boy
The product of Bayamon has a few notable victories – a decision over Jhonny Gonzalez that earned him a shot at Cuellar stands out – but he hasn’t fared well in his biggest fights, including setbacks against Juan Manuel Lopez, Wilfredo Vazquez Jr., Abner Mares and (in May of last year) Lamont Roach.
Oquendo didn’t fight for 19 months after the Cuellar setback, stopped journeyman Orlando Rizo and then didn’t fight again for another 13 months. It was around this time that he thought it was time to move on.
It was also around this time that Cotto, the former four-division champion, convinced Oquendo that he had more to give and they geared up for one more run at a title.
Oquendo, feeling strong at 130 pounds, won three fights in four months in Puerto Rico, which earned him a chance to face Roach in a title eliminator at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Oquendo gave a strong performance but ended up on the wrong end of a disputed unanimous decision that was booed by the crowd.
Oquendo didn’t fret. He proved to himself that night that he was still capable of competing at a high level. Roach went on to lose a wide decision to Herring in November while Oquendo shut out Charles Huerta in a stay-busy fight the same month.
Oquendo (right) came up short against Lamont Roach but felt like the winner. Tom Hogan / Hoganphotos-Golden Boy
“I felt like the winner in [the Roach] fight. And I was feeling like my moment would come soon,” he said.
It would, although no one could’ve predicted how it would arrive.
Oquendo agreed in late May – amid the coronavirus pandemic – to face Herring on July 2 inside the bubble at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
The challenger, thrilled about the opportunity, went right to work to prepare for what might be his last opportunity to realize his dream of becoming a world champion. Then, on June 23, came the news: Herring had tested positive for COVID-19 and the fight was postponed.
Oquendo’s first thoughts were with Herring and his family. “That was most important,” he said. At the same time, he was worried. When would Herring be able to fight? And would Oquendo still be in the picture when he could?
It wouldn’t be the first time a scheduled fight fell through completely over something unforeseen.
“I was worried,” Oquendo said. “An opportunity to fight for a world title isn’t something given to just anybody. I felt it was slipping through my fingers. I was also worried about the health of Herring and his family.
“Thank God he’s better, thank God everything is set.”
Herring (21-2, 10 KOs) raised some eyebrows – including those of his own team members – when he announced he would go through with the fight only three weeks after testing positive. However, he recovered, follow-up tests came back negative and insists he’ll be ready to defend his title.
Will it be the same old story for Oquendo? A valiant, but futile effort?
The underdog is confident things will be different. He feels particularly strong after he moved up to 130 pounds permanently. And he’s in a good place in his life mentally and emotionally, including his finances. He likes his chances.
“I feel more mature, more intelligent,” he said. “And with the money I’ve been making my mind is clear. I’m not a kid anymore. I’m stronger, wiser at 36 than I was at 25. I think of boxing more as a business now. I’m in a better place now.
“[Herring] has a lot of good qualities. He boxes well, his height, his length. He has lots of advantages. I have one too: Faith in my training I’ve had. I’ll be ready for anything he brings.”
And if Oquendo wins? If he reaches the pinnacle of the sport 14 years into his pro career?
“It would mean everything,” he said. “My whole life, since I was very young, my dream was to become world champion. I’ll dedicate this to those who have believed in me, my fans, my family. It has been their dream too.
“When at 35 I was thinking of saying good bye … to become champion would be amazing.”
Jamel Herring reportedly will be one of the first big-name opponents to return to the ring amid the coronavirus threat.
Jamel Herring reportedly will be one of the first big-name opponents to return to the ring amid the coronavirus threat.
The junior lightweight titleholder will defend his title on July 2 in Las Vegas, he told ESPN. No opponent has been selected. Herring had been tentatively set to face former two-division beltholder Carl Frampton in Northern Ireland but that fight fell out because of the pandemic.
The site also hasn’t been finalized, although it will be a MGM Resorts property.
“It’s fluid,” said Carl Moretti, director of boxing operations for Top Rank. “We’re on calls every day with stuff. So what we thought was happening on Tuesday is not, and what we thought was happening on Wednesday is now happening. So it just changes and changes.”
Herring (21-2, 10 KOs) won his title by outpointing Masayuki Ito in May of last year. He successfully defended with a decision over Lamont Roach in November.
The 2012 U.S. Olympian is working with trainer Brian McIntyre in Omaha, Nebraska, according to ESPN. He said he doesn’t expect to be rusty when he steps back into the ring.
“It’s funny, I actually felt good for my first sparring session,” Herring said. “So that tells you that even though I haven’t been in a gym setting, the workouts I had been doing at home during my free time, they’ve been paying off.
“So when I got back into the swing of things, it wasn’t a hard adjustment. It’s only one week, and this gives me almost a full eight weeks until the fight arrives.”
Herring won’t face Frampton in July but still wants that fight.
“That’s still the No. 1 priority, for sure,” he said. “I’m still actually shocked from the latest story that I’ve seen, where he’s not willing to fight unless he’s fighting me. If it comes around the December time frame, he will have been out for like an entire year.
“But for me, I just want to stay as busy as much as possible. I’m not getting younger as it is. So why risk coming into big fights with the ring rust on you still.”
Carl Frampton and Jamel Herring have an agreement to fight but they don’t have a date or a place because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Jamel Herring and Carl Frampton have an agreement. But they don’t have a date or a place.
Welcome to a new way of doing business. Tentative is the operative word for as long as the coronavirus pandemic forces the world into quarantine.
Frank Warren, of Queensberry Promotions, announced the deal Wednesday on his Twitter account, saying: Terms are agreed. … News on date and venue coming soon.’’
But the date and place are subject to when the contagious virus subsides. There are no reliable odds on that. Just fears that it will continue.
Warren is hoping to stage the bout on June 13 in Belfast, Ireland, Frampton’s hometown.
Herring-Frampton, for Herring’s junior lightweight belt, has been speculated for months. At first, there were questions about whether it would ever happen because of injuries to Frampton (27-2, 15 KOs), a former junior featherweight and featherweight champion who underwent surgery for fractures in both hands after his decision unanimous over Tyler McCreary on Nov. 30 in Las Vegas.
Herring (21-2, 10 KOs), a Marine and Iraq war veteran, is coming off a unanimous decision over Lamont Roach in his first title defense on Nov. 9 in Fresno, California.
Carl Frampton revealed on his Twitter that he had suffered fractures in both of his hands during his fight against Tyler McCreary.
It turns out there was a good reason Carl Frampton decided to go almost exclusively to the body in his fight against Tyler McCreary this past Saturday in Las Vegas: He had suffered fractures in both hands during the fight.
The junior lightweight from Northern Ireland revealed the news on his Twitter account.
Frampton has had hand issues in the past, most recently in August, when a freak accident scuttled his fight with Emmanuel Dominguez in Philadelphia days before the event. Frampton was sitting in a hotel lobby when a concrete pillar fell over and landed on his left hand, breaking the fifth metacarpal bone. That’s the same bone he broke in the fight.
Frampton also said immediately after the fight that he had suffered two fractures in his hands – including that same bone – during training camp before the McCreary fight.
“I refractured it twice in the camp but I knew a lot of people were coming here to support me,” he said in the ring. “There was absolutely no way I wasn’t fighting. I did 26 or 28 rounds of sparring because of the hand but I had to fight.”
Frampton is expected to face 130-pound titleholder Jamel Herring, who is coming off a recent points win over Lamont Roach. Herring entered the ring after Frampton’s win over McCreary, as both fighters expressed their interest in facing one another. The fight is expected to land on St. Patrick’s Day, either in Belfast or in New York City.
“I’d love for it to be in Belfast, but would also be game to fight him in New York if I have to,” Frampton said afterward.
