Jamel Herring hasn't stepped into the ring this year, but he might as well be 2-0.
The WBO junior lightweight champion twice tested positive for COVID-19 and twice overcame the coronavirus. The 34-year-old will finally defend his title against Puerto Rican challenger Jonathan Oquendo at the MGM Grand Conference Center in Las Vegas on Saturday night. Herring and Oquendo were slated to fight July 2 and then July 14, before his pair of positive COVID-19 results dashed those plans.
Now, Herring can't wait to defend his world title. Plus, he'll be looking to prove that battling the coronavirus twice didn't affect his boxing.
“This postponement is a blessing in disguise because I feel 10 times better than I did three weeks ago," Herring said in a recent Top Rank press release statement. "I’m grateful to have another opportunity to get back in the ring. I’ve fully recovered from COVID-19 and 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.”
Top Rank chairman Bob Arum is confident in Herring's ability, but knows that defeating Oquendo won't be easy.
“Jamel has had a run of bad luck, but his fortunes will change for the better inside the ‘Bubble’ on September 5,” Arum said. “Oquendo is a crafty veteran who understands this may be his last shot at a world title and I expect him to give ‘The Fighting Marine’ one heck of a fight.”
Both Herring and Oquendo are coming off unanimous decision victories in November, as Herring defended his title against Lamont Roach, while Oquendo edged Charles Huerta on the scorecards.
After two false starts, Oquendo is simply happy that the fight is happening and intends to make the most of his title shot.
"I am very happy with finally getting this opportunity to challenge Herring for his world title, as the fight has been canceled twice because of COVID-19," Oquendo said. "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," he added. "We are in a very positive mindset. We are going to leave everything in the ring. It’s now or never. It would be a great accomplishment to become a world champion at 37. That’s what we are going to do."
Will Herring deliver another successful title defense or will Oquendo become a world champ during the twilight of his career?
Here's everything you need to know about Herring vs. Oquendo.
Jamel Herring vs. Jonathan Oquendo fight date, start time
- Date: Saturday, Sept. 5
- Undercard: 7:30 p.m. ET
- Main card: 10 p.m. ET
The Herring vs. Oquendo undercard gets underway at 7:30 p.m. ET followed by the main card, beginning at 10 p.m. ET. Steven Nelson vs. DeAndre Ware in a super middleweight clash will serve as the co-feature to the Herring-Oquendo main event.
How to watch, live stream Herring vs. Oquendo
In the U.S., the Herring vs. Oquendo undercard and main card is available on ESPN+, which is $5.99 a month or $49.99 annually. Current subscribers can watch the fight as part of their plan.
In Canada, the main card is available on TSN3.
Where is the Herring vs. Oquendo fight?
The Herring vs. Oquendo fight will be held at the MGM Grand Conference Center in Las Vegas. While Herring and Oquendo have each fought in Las Vegas before, this will mark the first time that each junior lightweight competes in "The Bubble," as it has affectionately been referred to during the coronavirus pandemic. With continued practiced precaution, no fans will be in attendance.
Jamel Herring record and bio
- Nationality: American
- Born: Oct. 30, 1985
- Height: 5-10
- Reach: 72 inches
- Total fights: 23
- Record: 21-2 with 10 knockouts
Jonathan Oquendo record and bio
- Nationality: Puerto Rican
- Born: Aug. 3, 1983
- Height: 5-4
- Reach: 67 inches
- Total fights: 37
- Record: 31-6 with 19 knockouts
Herring vs. Oquendo fight card
Main card
- Jamel Herring vs. Jonathan Oquendo for Herring's WBO junior lightweight title
- Steven Nelson vs. DeAndre Ware; Super middleweight
Undercard
- Janiel Rivera vs. Jesse Rodriguez; Junior bantamweight
- Jared Anderson vs. Rodney Hernandez; Heavyweight
- D'Andre Smith vs. Christopher Gonzalez; Welterweight
- Ruben Cervera vs. Rennard Oliver; Lightweight
- Edward Vazquez vs. Adan Ochoa; Featherweight
- Jose Martinez vs. Rashiem Jefferson; Featherweight