Saturday night, April 3, WBO super featherweight world champion, Jamel Herring dispatched of former two-weight world champion Carl Frampton in impressive fashion.
Despite suffering a cut to his right eyelid in the fourth round, which must’ve hampered his vision somewhat, Herring felt the need to go through the gears after the injury.
Herring looked the stronger of the two throughout the bout but managed to seat ‘The Jackal’ in round five before a dominant round six for the American forced the towel to be tossed into the ring putting a stop to the fight, and Frampton’s career.
The former marine was, as always, respectful of his opponent after the fight, “It was an emotional rollercoaster to get here, people doubted me,” said Herring.
“Even with the cut, I wasn’t going to quit. It’s tough to see any veteran of the sport go out like that, but I’m glad he got out on his own two feet.”
During the press conference pre-fight Jamel confirmed he does not have any plans to retire just yet and in his post-fight interview he expressed his desire to face WBC champion, Oscar Valdez in a unification bout next.
We explore the possible Oscar Valdez bout and the other options available to Herring moving forward:
Oscar Valdez
Oscar Valdez became the WBC super featherweight world champion in spectacular fashion when he overcame his fellow countryman, Miguel Berchelt in February.
Since his win in February, Valdez has found a target located on his back.
Herring made no secret he wants to face Valdez next and with the pair both under the Top Rank banner it shouldn’t be a hard fight to make.
Herring would likely enter the bout as an underdog, as he is the lowest ranked world champion in The Ring magazine ratings at super featherweight, but not being the favourite wouldn’t faze him.
Shakur Stevenson
As always with world titles there comes mandatories, for Herring his mandatory challenger is Shakur Stevenson.
If the pair were to fight they would have to put their friendship aside. Stevenson is of the belief that Herring would sooner vacate the title than fight him, and the champion has 30 days to decide if he will defend his title.
Shakur has also been vocal in wanting to face WBC holder, Oscar Valdez.
Gervonta ‘Tank’ Davis
If it is a unification bout Herring is seeking then ‘Tank’ must be mentioned however unrealistic fight this may be.
Davis holds the WBA ‘super’ world title, with the IBF title currently vacant. Gervonta is highly rated in the sport and seemingly is the man to beat at 130lbs.
The promotional politics could stand in the way of this bout ever happening but the lure of a unification could be tempting for the Mayweather Promotions man.
Jeremiah Nakathila
The hard-hitting Namibian is highly ranked with the WBO and according to Boxrec will be facing Shakur Stevenson for an interim world title in June.
Nakathila has claimed 21 victories in 22 professional bouts with 17 stoppages. His only loss has come when he fought outside of his home country for the only time.
For the opportunity to face Herring you would imagine he must defeat Stevenson for the fight to come to fruition.
Archie Sharp
‘The Sharpshooter’ has been calling for the champion for a couple of years now and the Brit was sitting pretty ranked fourth with the WBO prior to Saturday night’s fight.
With Frampton’s retirement announcement this should see Sharp take Carl’s third place spot.
Archie has an impressive, undefeated record but has yet to make the step up to world level and facing Herring now could be seen as too much too soon.
The 25-year-old however feels he is ready for an opportunity at world glory as he can only beat who’s put in front of him and beat them all he has done.
With Queensberry and Top Rank promotions having worked together regularly in recent years it may be a fight easily set up.
