Herring takes the high road on Timothy Bradley’s comments
WBO junior lightweight champion Jamel “Semper Fi” Herring’s (22-2, 10ko) character is being tested after his performance during his second title defense. The southpaw champion didn’t showcase his best against former title contender Jonathan “Polvo” Oquendo (31-7, 19ko).
This was an ugly, clinch-filled eight-round bout that took place on September 5, 2020. Furthermore, there is the fair standing case that Herring took the easy route instead of fighting on. Team Herring decided to take advantage of the intentional head-butt rule when it was made clear the title would stay with the champion. Moreover, in the post-fight interview, Herring claimed he could have fought on but decided against it.
ACCEPTING BLAME & CRITICISM
This did not go over well at all within the community. People view fighters as warriors of a special breed. The notion of being tagged a quitter is a blow to their character and social media was in full attack mode on the champion. However, the former U.S. Marine is showing extreme discipline by facing this adversity, embracing the criticism, and not making any excuses.
RELATED: Jamel Herring Retains Title With DQ Victory; Eyes Carl Frampton Next!
The most damaging criticism came from former two-divisional champion Timothy “Desert Storm” Bradley. He was brutally honest about his thoughts on the situation live during the broadcast.
“He wanted out. I gotta tell you that, he wanted out. That’s the problem that I am having right now. I am trying to digest all of this. The reason why you can’t see, you got blood coming from that cut down in your eye.
“You can see once they clear that up. To me, I honestly feel like he gave up.”
The WBO champion became aware of the former two-divisional champion’s comments and, over social media, decided to take the high road.
BIGGER FISH TO FRY
It is good that the southpaw champion is putting this behind him as quickly as possible, because up next is a career-defining task against former two-divisional champion Carl “The Jackal” Frampton (28-2, 16ko). Furthermore, realizing what is at stake in his next title defense against the former two-divisional champion, Herring absorbed all the criticism, and also made it clear he will tighten up for the biggest test of his career.
The Jackal is looking to make history by becoming the first Irishman three-divisional champion. He took to social media to congratulate the WBO champion and make it clear he plans on fulfilling the historic goal before the year is out.
By: Garrisson Bland
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