Fighter of the Week (11/6-11/12) Jamel Herring
On maybe the quietest boxing week of 203, at least in the US, one of the sport's truly good guys put on a top-notch performance and re-established himself as a legitimate threat at 130 pounds. He could potentially, get a title shot in his next fight in a wide-open division. US Marin, New York native and former WBO Super Featherweight champion Jamel "Semper Fi" Herring, of Coram, Long Island, NY scored a vicious first-round KO of undefeated prospect Nick Molina to re-establish himself as a legitimate threat, moved his record to 24-4 (12), puts himself back in the world title picture, picks up his first win since 2021 in Dubai and takes home our "Fighter of the Week" award.
Typically, at 38 years old and coming off a career-worst performance and a year and a half out of the ring, ring rust or a slow start would be a major concern. That was not the case Tuesday night at the Edison Ballroom in New York City. The hometown hero made quick work of his upstart and somewhat touted prospect. As a matter of fact, it will take you longer to read this week's "Fighter of the Week" article than it actually took our "Fighter of the Week" to strip Molina of his "0".The US Marine scored two knockdowns en route to a first-round stoppage of his outmatched opponent. The Long-Islander floored Molina early in the first round and again late in the stanza, finally causing the stoppage. Herring, a southpaw, scored with a straight left-right down Broadway that put Molina to the floor. Molina, a Massachusetts native, beat the count but never seemed to get his legs back and never escaped trouble. Herring closed the show with a left hand to the body that put Molina down for a second time with about 20 seconds left, and the legendary Arthur Mercante Jr. did his duty and stopped the contest, giving Herring his first win in well over two years.
In the post-fight interview, Jamel Herring said he wanted to go on the European tour. Calling out Joe Cordina, who just eked out a decision victory over Fort Worth native Edward Vazquez and currently holds the IBFG 130-pound strap. Herring also mentioned Leigh Wood, who is expected to debut at 130 pounds in early 2024. In addition to that, the fights that seem easily makeable are the fight with Edward Vazquez, as both fighters are with Hall of Fame Promoter Lou Dibella or against current WBC champion O'Shaquie Foster, who recently fought on DAZN and has a relationship with both Dibella and Eddie Hearn. If Cordina locks up with Wood in his next outing, a Foster title fight seems like the best option for Herring. The two know each other well and respect each other. Additionally, Foster has had trouble securing a big name and big money fights. Herring would solve that problem and be the biggest name he has ever fought.
