Jamel Herring vs. Denis Shafikov
Shelbi Keyes, Staff Writer
In a 10-round lightweight bout, Jamel Herring (15-0, 8 KOs) and Denis Shafikov (36-2-1, 19 KOs) will collide Saturday night when Premier Boxing Champions returns to ESPN.
Former United States Olympian and Marine Corps veteran Herring will be facing his toughest opponent to date in two-time lightweight title challenger Shafikov.
While Herring is the undefeated fighter, Shafikov is easily the more experienced fighter. Shafikov has over twice has many fights as Herring and his only two losses were in world title fights. Even though Herring doesn’t have nearly as much professional experience, his amateur experience should not be discredited.
Herring and Shafikov both realize this is an extremely important fight if they want to fight for a world title in the near future. Though I think this is going to be a very competitive fight, I am expecting Herring to step up to the plate and prove that he deserves a shot in a world title fight.
Prediction: Herring
Brandon Glass, Staff Writer
Even with such a dramatic and heart wrenching back story, Jamel Herring hasn’t gotten the same kind of attention as his 2012 Olympic teammates; but here he is headlining a televised card against a huge step up in competition, as he squares off against Denis Shafikov. Shafikov has only two losses on his record, both stemming from attempts at a world title. Shafikov’s advantage in experience presents an adequate litmus test for Herring, who has an extensive amateur background of his own.
At 5’10”, Herring possesses a five-inch height advantage over Shafikov, whose reach is only a half inch shy of Herring’s. While Herring’s height seems like it would complicate things for Shafikov; stylistically, it may not, as he likes to pressure his opponents and fight on the inside. Herring on the other hand has spent half of his camp at Headbangers in DC under Barry Hunter, preparing by sparring with many of the fighters there–most notably Lamont Peterson.
I think Shafikov will present some challenges early, but eventually he will struggle against the more technical Herring, who as a boxer-puncher will use footwork and a solid jab to keep Shafikov at bay–culminating in unanimous-decision victory. While Herring has been public about wanting to stop Shafikov, Shafikov has always made the final bell.
Prediction: Herring
Sarah Gruber, Staff Writer
This Saturday night Jamel Herring takes on his biggest opponent to date in Denis Shafikov on ESPN. Herring is a former 2012 US Olympian that has had less notoriety than his other Olympic teammates, such as Errol Spence. Herring however is eager to make himself a household name and has been pursuing to showcase his talents among the superior names in the lightweight division in hopes to earn himself a title shot.
Herring is also a former Marine with a work ethnic like no one I have ever seen. Herring stays in shape and trains with some of the best stablemates possible all year round such as Adrien Broner and Lamont Peterson. Herring has been preparing himself for a big name opponent for years and he’s finally got one in Shafikov.
Denis Shafikov is the more experienced fighter holding a record of 32-2-1, 19 KOs in which his only two losses came in title fights. Shafikov is a good pressure fighter with a very strong inside fighting style. Herring however has reach advantage and a great jab within his arsenal, swift feet and abundant speed. One might look at this fight and think this is classic brawler versus technical fighter, however Herring possess the skills to fight inside as well should they be needed.
Herring may be the underdog in this fight, but it only due to lack of experience and I believe after Saturday people will know just how good he actually is. Herring is hungry for success with the skills to match and I believe we will see Herring quickly make a name for himself within the lightweight division.
Herring has a level of conditioning that is second to none and combined with his technique he remains active well into the later rounds. Look for Herring to control the pace, stay long by using an effective jab (to both the head and body) and then following up with his solid powerful left hand or his quick powerful hooks. Herring by decision.
Prediction: Herring
Alex Burgos, Editor-in-Chief
This Saturday night, Jamel Herring takes on his toughest test to date in Denis Shafikov. Shafikov is highly regarded by most governing bodies as well as BoxRec, while Herring is nowhere to be found on those same lists.
So, I think it’s reasonable to say that a Herring victory will be a major upset and should gain the ex-Olympian a lot of notoriety. From speaking with Herring earlier this week I know he hasn’t left any stone unturned–spending tons of time breaking down film and soaking in knowledge from trainers and ex-champion Lamont Peterson–and is ready for any version of Shafikov.
I think we’ll see an aggressive, come-forward Shafikov as he tries to get around the five-inch reach advantage of Herring. I think Herring will control the pace, work the angles and keep Shafikov frustrated on the outside on his way to a unanimous-decision victory.
Prediction: Herring
