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One was almost an afterthought coming out of the 2012 Games after an early exit.
The other has scaled some of the sports highest walls with titles in two divisions, two unified belts at Jr. featherweight, and a Fighter of the Year campaign in 2016. What’s the old adage?
It’s not where you were…
Carl Frampton may still be the bigger name but he’s the challenger Saturday in Dubai (ESPN+, 2 PM EST). Across the ring is a former US Marine and Iraqi war veteran who proved naysayers wrong (this scribe included) in getting into the title picture at Jr. lightweight. A win this weekend would take him to another place with bigger money and a bigger spotlight looming.
Both men are in their mid-30s so time is of the essence.
Let’s get into it.
Stats and Stakes
Jamel Herring
Age: 35
Title: WBO Jr. Lightweight (2019-Present, 2 Defenses)
Previous Titles: None
Height: 5’10
Weight: 129 ¼ lbs.
Stance: Southpaw
Hails from: Cincinnati, Ohio
Record: 22-2, 10 KO, 1 KOBY
Press Rankings: #3 (TBRB), #4 (ESPN), #5 (TBRB), #6 (Boxing News), #8 (BoxRec)
Record in Major Title Fights: 3-0
Last Five Opponents: 114-13-2 (.891)
Notable Outcomes, TBRB/Ring Rated Foes: Denis Shafikov TKO by 10; Masayuki Ito UD12
Additional Results, Current/Former Champions/Titlists Faced: None
Vs.
Carl Frampton
Age: 34
Title: None
Previous Titles: IBF Jr. Featherweight (2014-16, 3 Defenses); WBA Super Bantamweight (2016); WBA Featherweight (2016-17)
Height: 5’5
Weight: 129 ¾ lbs.
Stance: Orthodox
Hails from: Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
Record: 28-2, 16 KO
Press Rankings: #5 (BoxRec); #7 at 126 (ESPN)
Record in Major Title Fights: 5-2, 1 KO (7-2, 2 KO including interim title fights)
Last Five Opponents: 113-7-1 (.938)
Notable Outcomes, TBRB/Ring Rated Foes: Steve Molitor TKO6; Kiko Martinez UD12; Chris Avalos TKO5; Scott Quigg SD12; Leo Santa Cruz MD12, L12; Nonito Donaire UD12; Josh Warrington L12
Additional Results, Current/Former Champions/Titlists Faced: Kiko Martinez TKO9; Hugo Cazares KO2
The Pick: If experience were the sole barometer of success in a prizefight, Frampton would already have won. Frampton’s depth of experiences as a professional, along with his accomplishments, far outstrip a Herring who is older by the calendar.
Those things can matter in a fight. So too do size, skill, and miles. Herring may have been born first but in ring years assume him the fresher man. Herring, a former Olympian, can look vulnerable but he’s also mature, long, fights within himself well, and is naturally bigger than Frampton. Herring’s advantages of more than five inches in height and reach will force Frampton to lead against one of the largest world class fighters he’s seen to date. Herring started his career at lightweight and has worked down. Frampton’s best days were probably at Jr. featherweight.
Herring doesn’t have to win spectacularly to leave with his belt on Saturday. Herring needs to do what he does best: stay consistent, steady, and keep his southpaw jab in Frampton’s face. Frampton has a lot of pride, and a chance to win a belt in a third weight class; he’s likely to have his moments. There won’t be enough of them. The pick is Herring by decision.
Additional Weekend Pick
Murodjon Akhmadaliev TKO Ryosuke Iwasa
Rold Picks 2021: 15-3
Cliff Rold is the Managing Editor of BoxingScene, a founding member of the Transnational Boxing Rankings Board, a member of the International Boxing Research Organization, and a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America. He can be reached at roldboxing@hotmail.com