Tag Archives: Jamel herring
Jamel Herring Hopes The Third Time is The Charm For Scheduled Contest Against Jonathan Oquendo
By: Hans Themistode
A third time has to be the charm for WBO lightweight titlist Jamel Herring.
The marine turned world champion will prepare once more for fringe contender Jonathan Oquendo. The two were originally due to face off against one another in late June before an expected positive COVID-19 test result derailed those plans.
After feeling the effects of the deadly disease for the first few weeks, Herring not only claimed to be feeling much better, but he also tested negative on several occasions.
Following his negative results, Herring vs Oquendo was now going to take place in mid July. However, as is the case in this COVID-19 influenced world, their aforementioned contest was thrown out of whack once again.
According to test results taken by doctors in association with Top Rank, Herring once again popped positive. Incredulous to his results, Herring went to his own personal doctors where they officially cleared him. Still, it wasn’t enough to secure his showdown with Oquendo and their contest was once again postponed.
Now, after a 12 round war with COVID-19, the former Marine has seemingly won his bout with the deadly disease and will now take on Oquendo on September 5th, from the safety of the “Bubble,” at the MGM Grand Conference Center, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
It’s been a long and arduous process for everyone involved. But now that they have put their COVID-19 related issues behind them, Arum is expecting one helluva fight.
“Jamel has had a run of bad luck, but his fortunes will change for the better inside the ‘Bubble’ on September 5,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Oquendo is a crafty veteran who understands this may be his last shot at a world title. I expect him to give ‘The Fighting Marine’ one heck of a fight.
For Herring, he doesn’t know anything other than being tough. When news first broke of his positive test results, the former Marine forced a smile across his face and repeatedly stated that he was alright. However, he was anything but alright.
Now, roughly two months since his first positive test results, Herring no longer needs to put on a brave face.
“This postponement is a blessing in disguise,” said Herring during a recent statement released by Top Rank. “I feel 10 times better than I did three weeks ago. I’m grateful to have another opportunity to get back in the ring. I’ve fully recovered from COVID-19. 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.”
While Herring has recovered well, Oquendo has been silently preparing for his opportunity. Things may have looked bleak for the 37 year old contender, but now that their contest will officially take place, he is more than ready to make the most of what could be his last opportunity on the big stage.
“I am very happy with finally getting this opportunity to challenge Herring for his world title,” said Oquendo during a recent statement released by Top Rank. “The fight has been canceled twice because of COVID-19. At one point, I thought that maybe the fight was not going to happen. But thanks to God, we are now ready for September 5.
“We are going to win. We are going to leave everything in the ring. It’s now or never. It would be a great accomplishment to become world champion at 37. That’s what we are going to do.”
More Headlines
Jamel Herring Tests Positive Once Again For COVID-19, Bout Against Jonathan Oquendo Postponed For a Second Time
By: Hans Themistode
Another day, another Top Rank main event down the drain.
For the second time in less then two weeks, WBO super featherweight titlist Jamel Herring has found himself on the losing end in a matchup with COVID-19.
The former marine turned champion was originally scheduled to take on Jonathan Oquendo in a main event headliner on July 2nd. Those plans were immediately scrapped however, once Herring came down with the virus.
All hope was not lost as Herring’s contest was postponed for July 14th. It appeared that all systems were a go as Herring passed a July 3rd test and passed yet another earlier today. Now, with only a few hours left on the clock until showtime, the curtains have come down on Herring vs Oquendo as his most recent results have comeback positive.
With no plans at the moment to stage a third contest, Herring was pissed off to say the least. The current super featherweight belt holder believes he has done everything in his power to stay COVID free. But with no explanations as to what went wrong, Herring has his own assumptions.
“These test are 30% faulty,” said Herring via Twitter.
The former marine would not only point the finger at the test administered by Top Rank but he would also provide proof that he tested negative and made weight.
Following Herrings first failed test two weeks ago, he immediately felt the effects of the virus. This time around, he felt 100 percent ready to step into the ring against Oquendo.
“I feel great, I had the best [weight] cut ever. I was actually on weight days ago. I’m actually more bummed out about this for my team. We put in so much work,” said Herring to ESPN. “We even had the extra weeks for the fight after the original date. The main thing is I took time away from my family. But I’m more upset for the people around me. But I feel great.”
More Headlines
Jamel Herring and Mikaela Mayer Return From Positive COVID-19 Tests on July 14th
After knocking out COVID-19 two weeks prior, WBO super featherweight titlist Jamel Herring (21-2, 10 KOs) will look to do the same against Jonathon Oquendo (31-6, 19 KOs).
Herring was originally slated to defend his title against Oquendo on July 2nd, but had an unexpected opponent in COVID-19. The former marine was diagnosed with the deadly virus with only a few days left before his ring appearance which led to the cancellation of his contest against Oquendo.
The super featherweight titlist proved that he is not only a champion inside of the ring, but also outside of it as he managed to bounce back quickly from the virus and is now set to headline a July 14th event against Oquendo.
The additional time off has given Herring exactly what he needed in order to fully recover, and now, he is ready to move forward.
“I am back, healthy and 100 percent ready to defend my world title. Oquendo is a tough opponent,” said Herring on a Top Rank press release. “He 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.”
Opportunities to fight for a world title don’t fall into the laps of fighters. Especially those who are at an advanced age. Yet, for the 36 year old Oquendo, he’s ready to seize the moment.
“We know Jamel is a slippery, tall, left-handed fighter who has an advantage in range,” said Oquendo on a Top Rank press release. “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.”
Joining Herring during his July 14th event will be fellow COVID-19 conqueror Mikaela Mayer (12-0, 5 KOs). The former 2016 USA Olympian was initially set to take on perennial contender Helen Joseph (17-4-2, 10 KOs) on Top Ranks June 9th card but was removed after testing positive with the virus.
She has since been cleared to make her way back and is excited to take on Joseph.
“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.”
The quick turnaround for both Mayer and Herring brings praise from Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. With each fighter medically cleared, he is expecting them to put on a great show.
“Jamel and Mikaela wanted to come back as soon as possible,” said Bob Arum. “We were happy to oblige them. They are healthy and ready to put forth tremendous performances.”
More Headlines
Jamel Herring vs Jonathan Oquendo Postponed Due to Positive COVID-19 Test For Herring
By: Hans Themistode
Before Jamel Herring takes on Jonathan Oquendo inside of the ring, he’ll have to take on COVID-19 outside of it.
The WBO Super Featherweight champion was scheduled to put his title on the line as the headliner on a July 2nd, Top Rank card but was forced to pull out due to the deadly virus.
For Top Rank, they have grown accustomed to COVID-19 attacking their fighters. On the very first show back after a near four month forced hiatus, Featherweight prospect Mikaela Mayer tested positive for the virus and was subsequently taken off the card.
Nine days later, super lightweight contender Mikkel LesPierre was removed from his contest against Jose Pedraza due to his manager Josie Taveras testing positive.
Herring, a US Marine who served two tours of duty in Iraq, was looking forward to defending his title. But he takes solace in his health returning to normal.
“Physically I’m feeling like myself again,” said Herring during an interview with ESPN analyst Mark Kriegal. “I had a rocky few days but right now I’m feeling like myself. For the most part in training camp I was going through my regular course in training. I pushing myself to the limit. Even though I guess I had the virus it wasn’t taking any effect on how I was feeling and looking in training camp. So I’m just happy to be here.”
The news of Herring’s good health was enough to put a smile on his face during his interview with Mark Kriegel. But his smile widened when he revealed just how soon he would be able to enter the ring.
“Best case scenario I’ve been told that it would be July 14th. That’s because we took care of the situation quickly.”
Under normal circumstances, the news of good health for the Super Featherweight titlist would be the end of it. But with Herring sharing a gym with current pound for pound star Terence Crawford, the story took another turn.
Throughout the entirety of Herrings camp, Crawford was shown by his side. They hit the heavy bag together, worked on techniques and Crawford was even shown holding the mitts for his stablemate.
With Herring and Crawford in such close proximity for much of his camp, the focus began to shift towards the pound for pound star and the rest of his team. He wasn’t specific, but Herring did give a bit of good news.
“Everyone has gotten tested and for the most part, everyone’s test results has come back negative, thank God. We’re just taking things one day at a time.”
