Jamel Herring has not yet called it quits on his boxing career, and he recently made a surprising return to the ring, securing a victory by technical knockout. The American super featherweight seemed to have ended a career that began in 2012 after suffering a defeat against Jamaine Ortiz in 2022. However, he made a comeback on November 7th, facing the previously undefeated Nicholas Molina at the Edison Ballroom in Manhattan, New York, and he achieved a surprising stoppage victory.
Jamel Herring (22-4, 12 KO’s) made his lightweight debut on December 8th, earning a unanimous decision (UD) victory over his first-ever opponent. His journey to the top was far from easy, marked by two losses in 2016 and 2017 that temporarily derailed his progress.
Despite these setbacks, Herring remained steadfast in pursuing his ambitions. He moved down a weight class to compete in the super featherweight division (130 lbs). His dedication paid off when he became the WBO world super featherweight champion in 2019 by defeating the reigning Japanese champion, Masayuki Ito, claiming his first world title.
Herring successfully defended his WBO title three more times, including victories against notable fighters like Lamont Roach (20-1-1, 9 KO’s) and Carl Frampton. However, in October 2021, he faced the young and talented Shakur Stevenson (20-0, 10 KO’s), who ultimately outperformed him and took the title by stopping Herring in the tenth round.
Following his title loss and a subsequent unanimous decision loss in 2022 to another rising American contender, Jamaine Ortiz (17-1-1, 8 KO’s), it appeared that Herring had retired from boxing.
Just yesterday, Herring put an end to his 18-month retirement, opting to face the unbeaten American prospect, 24-year-old Nicholas Molina (13-1, 5 KO’s). In this comeback bout, Herring secured a significant and unexpected victory by stopping Molina in the first round.
Beyond his professional boxing career, Herring has a notable amateur background and represented the United States in the 2012 Olympics. He also served in the United States Marine Corps and was deployed at least twice to Iraq in 2005 and 2007.
With this recent victory, Jamel Herring, at the age of 38, demonstrates his determination to continue making an impact in the world of boxing. His resurgence suggests that the super featherweight division may once again face a challenge from a fighter who boasts a prestigious list of accomplishments, both as an amateur and a professional boxer.
