Herring Announces September Return
Boxing is full of fighters who decide to call it a day, only to have a change of heart and lace up the gloves one more time. Former junior lightweight champion Jamel “Semper Fi” Herring (23-4, 11 KOs) is the latest retired fighter who is planning a comeback. Herring made the announcement via social media.
THE LIFE AND CAREER OF SEMPER FI
The 37 year-old has a reputation for being one of the sport’s “good guys.” His story is well-known in the boxing community.
At age 17, he joined the Marines. After serving two tours in the War in Iraq, the native of Coram, New York focused his attention on boxing and turned pro in November 2012.
Herring had his share of ups and downs in the professional ranks. But through hard work and perseverance, he achieved the ultimate goal of winning a world title when he defeated Masayuki Ito in May 2019 to win the WBO junior lightweight title.
After three successful title defenses, Herring lost the WBO belt to Shakur Stevenson by a unanimous decision in October 2021. Following a unanimous decision defeat to Jamaine Ortiz in May 2022, the Marine announced that he was hanging up the gloves (Hyperlink2).
News of his ring return comes as a bit of a surprise. Herring had a budding career as a ringside commentator for ESPN/Top Rank’s international stream. Fans enjoyed his nuanced take while calling fights. But when fighters get the itch to fight again, more times than not, they often can’t resist the temptation.
Herring plans to return in September and fight at junior lightweight. Word on the street that his comeback bout will occur at the West Point Military Academy in West Point, New York.
