Cuban Prospect Jadier Herrera Aiming for the Peaks of Professional Boxing
Cuban boxer Jadier Herrera (6-0, 5 KOs) is the latest example of someone seeking greener pastures and prosperity overseas to provide for those in his homeland. Cuba has produced multiple amateur world champions and Olympic medals. However, with professional boxing still illegal in the nation, numerous young men have migrated abroad over the years in hopes of financial success and glory in the professional ranks. That is the case with Herrera.
TRUE BOXING LINEAGE
Currently living and fighting in Dubai, the Arab Emirates, the 19-year-old from Camaguey, Cuba fell in love with the sport after watching old clips of his grandfather, Cuban amateur boxing legend Angel Herrera Vera, who won gold at the 1976 and 1980 Olympics.
Jadier soon picked up the gloves and became a part of the noted Cuban amateur system. Little is known about his amateur record. However, after making it to the Quarterfinals of the 2021 AIBA World Youth Championships, scouts noticed the southpaw had some serious talent. After escaping his homeland, he settled in Dubai and made his professional debut in July 2021.
PASSING WITH FLYING COLORS
In his most recent fight on February 26, 2022, he faced Filipino Mark John Yap (30-16, 15 KOs) for the vacant WBA Asia junior lightweight title. Fighting on the undercard of Vincent Astrolabio’s upset win over Guillermo Rigondeaux, Herrera got off to a good start. He used his speed and slick skills to build up an early lead.
The young man dealt with adversity for the first time in his career when he was put on the deck in the eighth. It was a flash knockdown, and in the ninth, Herrera rebounded by stunning Yap. The tenth and final round saw the Cuban close the fight in an equally strong fashion.
It was Herrera’s first real test as a pro. Round eight aside, he passed with flying colors. With the win, Herrera won a regional WBA title. Look for him to appear in the WBA world junior lightweight rankings soon.
The skills are evident. Herrera’s quickness and fluidity makes him look like a natural in the ring. He also showed maturity and a mean-streak by dusting himself off then raising his level after getting knocked down. Instead of running, he was able to land his shots in the center of the ring while making his opponent miss. Look for Herrera to use the match with Yap as a teachable moment and improve.
FOR FAMILY AND GLORY
As he told the United Arab Emirates’ the Khaleej Times, he wants to make an imprint in this sport for himself and his loved ones back home.
“Since I was in school, this (professional boxing) was my big ambition. I was always dreaming to become a professional boxer.
My first dream is to be recognized in the whole world. I want to be a legend (in professional boxing)! And my second step would be to help my whole family in Cuba.”
Talent, desire, and motivation can take you far. Jadier Herrera hopes to use those ingredients to be Cuba’s next overseas success story.
Reading Time: 3 minutes
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
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