36-year-old Mauricio Herrera (22-7, 7 KOs) from Riverside, California has always been a fighter. That’s all he really knows.
Throughout his career, his fight wasn’t just with his opponent, but also fighting against the politics of boxing. His controversial bouts against Danny Garcia and Jose Benavidez officially posted a loss on his professional record, when most argue that they should have been wins.
Herrera recently spoke with Round By Round Boxing ahead of his his upcoming bout, which will take place on the inaugural Golden Boy Promotions on ESPN fight card featuring Jason Quigley vs. Glen Tapia in the main event.
From our previous conversation, I remembered that Herrera had started a trucking business, and was building a new pool for his home.
Immediately I wanted to ask how the trucking business was going, and Herrera informed me that it wasn’t going so well.
“Unfortunately, the truck has actually been in the shop this entire time,” said Herrera.
I then wanted to see if Herrera was able to finally enjoy his new pool.
“I actually haven’t jumped in the pool yet at all,” said Herrera [laughing]. “My family has and all the kids love it. One day I will be able to.”
Just a few short weeks after his recent loss against Pablo Cesar Cano, Herrera said he went right back to training.
This upcoming May, Herrera will turn 37.
As a wife to a professional boxer, I asked Herrera a very personal question, a question I constantly ask my husband. Are you tired?
I asked him if any of the people around him are asking him to hang up the gloves.
“If anything I ask myself that more than anybody. Yes my body is tired, boxing definitely takes a toll on your body. But my family is so encouraging and they ensure me that I still have some good fight left in me. This is what I do, I’m a fighter, so I’ll keep fighting,” said Herrera.
This Thursday night at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, California, Herrera faces Mexican veteran Hector Velazquez (57-28-3, 39 KOs).
The 42-year-old Velazquez is at a crossroads like Herrera, coming off a two-fight losing streak.
Hopefully, Herrera’s truck will be ready for business soon. Maybe he can finally enjoy the new pool that’s just a few feet away from his back door.
Until then the fans continue to cheer for the heart of Herrera, and that’s enough for him to keep going.
Header photo by Hogan Photos
