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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – SEPTEMBER 05: In this handout image provided by Top Rank, Jamel Herring celebrates defeating Jonathan Oquendo during a Jr. Lightweight WBO World Title bout at MGM Grand Conference Center Grand Ballroom on September 05, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Mikey Williams/Top Rank via Getty Images)
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – SEPTEMBER 05: In this handout image provided by Top Rank, Jamel Herring celebrates defeating Jonathan Oquendo during a Jr. Lightweight WBO World Title bout at MGM Grand Conference Center Grand Ballroom on September 05, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Mikey Williams/Top Rank via Getty Images)
A glimpse at Jamel Herring’s career record does no justice to his story of becoming a world champion. Very early on in his life, to avoid a life of drugs or worse, his friend introduced him to the idea of joining the US Marines. When Herring turned 20, he was dispatched to Iraq.
Herring served two tours and made it to the rank of Sergeant. After returning to the US, Herring decided to begin his amateur boxing career. He then represented the US for the 2012 Olympics, following which he decided to turn pro. His first 19 fights didn’t land a title shot, and it included 2 defeats, which did not help.
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Went to war overseas, lost a child, suffered from PTSD, clinical depression, and a parent of autistic children. A opponent across the ring is the least of my worries. Boxing is therapeutic.
— Jamel Herring (@JamelHerring) June 27, 2019
Jamel Herring Career Losses
Herring’s first loss came to Russian boxer Denis Shafikov. The Russian dominated ‘Semper Fi’ from the moment the bell rang. In the second round, Shafikov drilled Herring in the head with a right hook that sent Herring flying into the ropes. The rest of the fight was a one-sided beat down until the 10th round when the referee stopped the fight with 0:36 seconds left on the clock.
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CINCINNATI, OHIO – OCTOBER 3: Jamel Herring takes a swing at Yakubu Amidu during a fight at U.S. Bank Arena on October 3, 2015 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
‘Semper Fi’ tasted defeat in his professional career for the first time, foiling his plans for a title shot. His second defeat came the very next year against Ladarius Miller. Herring went into the fight as the taller fighter in this battle of southpaws.
DISMISS JAMEL AT YOUR PERIL☝️
A lot of fighters have believed they can beat @JamelHerring… then they share a ring with him🤜😲
📺Herring v Stevenson | Sunday 3.30am | @SkySportsBoxing | @trboxing pic.twitter.com/exnuCbDQxN
— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) October 19, 2021
However, the then 24-year-old proved to be too much for Herring. The 135-pound lightweight prospect outboxed ‘Semper Fi’ for 10 rounds straight. In the end, all three judges scored in favor of Miller 98-92, 97-93, and 97-93.
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Who is Herring fighting next?
On October 23, Jamel Herring will defend the WBO junior lightweight title against the unbeaten Shakur Stevenson. Herring last fought earlier this year when he sent Carl Frampton into retirement. ‘Fearless’, who won the interim belt earlier this year, will look to hand ‘Semper Fi’ his third loss.
Don't 💤 , Jamel Herring vs. Shakur Stevenson could be the fight of the year on Saturday night. pic.twitter.com/EUq91iI71u
— The Undefeated (@TheUndefeated) October 20, 2021
On October 23, Atlanta will either witness the crowning of a new WBO king or they will see ‘Semper Fi’ dispatch yet another rising prospect. This fight between the experienced champion and speedy challenger will be an exciting one to watch.
Who do you think will win?
Watch this story: Five Intriguing Facts About Shakur Stevenson
