Former cruiserweight champion Yoan Pablo Hernandez will return to the ring for the first time since 2014 when he faces Kevin Johnson in an August 22nd heavyweight clash. Magdeburg, Germany hosts the card, which could reportedly air on ESPN+ stateside.
Despite his stretch of injury-filled inactivity, which ultimately cost him the RING and IBF titles he never lost in the ring, Hernandez (29-1, 14 KO) is still just 35 years old, which is practically prepubescent by Cuban boxing standards. Seeing as his elder brother, UFC middleweight Yoel Romero, remains a complete goddamn physical freak, there may still be some gas left in the tank.
His current 15-fight winning streak includes two decisions over Steve Cunningham, a knockout of Alexander Alekseev, and a split decision over Firat Arslan that marked his fourth successful title defense.
“I still had that little spark in me – my story in boxing is not over yet. Boxing was and is my life, I am in shape and healthy as never before – so I really look forward to this fight! And, I don’t have to make weight and suffer anymore. Kevin Johnson is a more than experienced tough fighter – the right opponent for my comeback!”
I don’t think I need to explain Johnson (34-17-1, 18 KO) at this point. He’s the same “Kingpin” he’s always been, though he did show some signs of life against Mariusz Wach earlier this summer. He’ll give Hernandez some rounds at the very least.