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Post-COVID-19 Boxing: Jamel Herring Discusses Changes

WBO Super Featherweight champion Jamel Herring joined Round By Round Boxing‘s podcast last week and discussed a number of topics, including boxing’s impending return and what those events might look like.

Andre Ward confirmed (via Ring TV) that Shakur Stevenson is set to return June 9 against Felix Caraballo in a non-title bout, while Herring is set to return July 2 defending his title against Jonathan Oquendo.

Herring revealed what he’s heard thus far from Top Rank, including some new rules and regulations regarding how many people will be allowed in his corner.

“I just finished texting Carl Moretti and the gang over there at Top Rank. From what I know, I think a week ago, they were only allowing two in the corner and then they’re assigning a cutman,” said Herring. “I was kind of upset with that because if I want to, I can’t even bring my own cutman.”

Both Stevenson and Herring will be fighting in Las Vegas and according to Herring, they’ll have to self quarantine at least two weeks prior to fight night.

“I honestly want to see how it goes down with Shakur,” said Herring. “Things might change, like I said, when you start to see these fights in June take place basically as the prototype you’ll probably see changes… But for now, what I’ve heard, the commission wants us out there two weeks prior to be quarantined so we don’t catch or spread the virus if we have it.”

For boxer’s, unlike many other athletes, fight night is the culmination of a lot of hard work and preparation. There is no Game 2 or home and away series, which is why having all of your normal team resources can be so vital.

“I need my nutritionist to be around, I need my strength coach as well so I can make weight properly,” said Herring. “I can’t go out there and just eat anything because that doesn’t benefit me.”

While Herring knows how serious the situation is and how necessary the precautionary measures are, he jokingly said it doesn’t get anymore serious than telling legendary music executive and boxing manager J. Prince no to some requests.

“They’re even telling J. Prince no to certain things,” laughed Herring. “Not too many tell J. Prince no. That’s how I know it was serious.”

In all seriousness, Herring looks to get back to business versus Oquendo on July 2 and then secure a big-time fight against the likes of Carl Frampton, Abner Mares or Miguel Berchelt.

For now, boxing fans can rejoice that we get to see quality live fights in the coming weeks.

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