In order to get where he ultimately wants to reach in the cruiserweight division, undefeated prospect Santander “Demolition Man” Silgado (20-0, 18 KOs) has to get past gatekeeper Willie Herring in Saturday night’s eight-round bout, on the Zab Judah–Vernon Paris card, at Aviator Sports Complex in Brooklyn. Silgado-Herring will be taped live and aired the following day on SportsNet New York (“SNY”).
Silgado, now living in Brooklyn, is a knockout specialist from Colombia, as well as arguably the best kept secret in boxing. Fighting for only the second time in the United States, the 26-year-old “Demolition Man” understands that he has to impressively beat veteran Herring (13-9-3, 4 KOs) in order to get closer to being mentioned in the world title shot mix.
Herring is a legitimate upset specialist having stopped former world title challenger Ravea Springs (18-3) by way of his sixth-round technical knockout victory in his last action, in addition to a shocking 2005 split-decision win against another world title challenger, previously unbeaten Troy Ross. The experienced Herring has also fought a draw with Shaun George and been in the ring with world-class Cuban light heavyweight Sullivan Barrera, Olympians Carlos Negron (Puerto Rico) and Victor Bisbal (Brazil), world title challenger Matt Godfrey. Former NABF champion Emmanuel Nwodo is the only fighter to stop Herring in 25 pro fights.
“I have to go through Herring to get where I want to be in the cruiserweight division,” Silgado said. “It doesn’t really matter what people know or say about who I’ve fought in the past. I have a great record and will take over the division. I’ve overcome a lot and will continue to do so by training hard. This year is all about me getting in position for a world title shot.”
Silgado, a seven-time Colombian National amateur champion, has a rich amateur pedigree with nearly 200 amateur fights. He is presently rated No. 13 by the World Boxing Association (“WBA”) and No. 15 by the World Boxing Council (“WBC”).
His highly-respected head trainer, Francisco Guzman Sr., knows they can’t afford to look past Herring. “I’m an old-fashioned trainer,” he commented. “I learned a long time ago never to take any opponent lightly. Herring is a good fighter and we must capitalize on this opportunity.”
