Jamel Herring: Jonathan Oquendo is inconsistent but I have to handle business

WBO super featherweight titleholder Jamel Herring (21-2, 10 KOs) will be back in action tomorrow night on ESPN, headlining with a defense of his belt against challenger Jonathan Oquendo (31-6, 19 KOs). Herring may be coming off a bout with COVID-19, but he’s been working and says he’s ready to do what’s necessary to come out with a win.

So speaking on what he expects out of Oquendo, Herring tells RingTV that he’s aware that Oquendo is a tough guy but it’s more about what he’ll be bringing to the table that’ll be the difference maker.

“He’s a durable guy. He’s had tough and close fights. He’s determined. He doesn’t take a step backwards. You never know, he has hot and cold moments. He has the tendency to be inconsistent in fights. When Lamont created space, he didn’t have a real answer. Lamont landed three, four-punch combos. I respect anyone who gets in the ring, but I have to handle business against Oquendo.”

Herring continued by saying that he remains humble because he remembers the path he took to get this point, often being buried on undercards and having to earn everything he’s got the hard way. And should Herring successfully get past this title defense, he’s hoping for a showdown with Carl Frampton later this year.

“I have a 90 percent chance of fighting Carl. Champions have to take care of their mandatories. I hope (Frampton) has the same motivation and ambition to fight me.”

If that fight is to be made, Herring says he has no problem traveling overseas to make the bout happen, but first things first. He can’t afford any slip-ups here.