WBO super-featherweight champion Jamel Herring has recovered from a recent bout of Covid-19 and will now make his second title defence against Jonathan Oquendo at ‘The Bubble’ in the MGM Grand on July 14.
“I am back, healthy and 100 percent ready to defend my world title,” said Herring (21-2, 10 KOs). “Oquendo is a tough opponent who 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.”
Former WBA featherweight title contender Oquendo (31-6, 19 KOs), from Bayamon, Puerto Rico, is expecting an awkward night but fancies the upset. “We know Jamel is a slippery, tall, left-handed fighter who has an advantage in range, but we are working for that and we know that we will have no problems,” he said. “My company knows how hard I fight and how hard I train. Fans like Jonathan Oquendo because he makes for great fights.”
On the undercard, WBC No.1 super-featherweight contender Mikaela Mayer (12-0, 5 KOs) returns to action after her own brush with Covid-19 against former world title challenger Helen Joseph (17-4-2, 10 KOs), from Lagos, Nigeria.
“After having two fights cancelled 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,” said Californian Mayer. “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.”
Herring-Oquendo, Mayer-Joseph and additional undercard action will air live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT on July 14.