Jamel Herring First to Fight

The story of Jamel Herring 6-0 (4 ko) reads like a real life Hollywood script. As he prepares to compete in his fight on January 25 in Washington D.C., Herring reflects on the road that got him to this point. The 28 year-old is an undefeated 140lb prospect with hopes to keep improving by showcasing his skills for the fans in attendance and for his promoter at Golden Boy Promotions.

A New York youth who left the city life behind to enlist in the United States Marine Corps following the events of 9/11. While in the Marines, Herring discovered that he could reconnect with the sport of boxing which he still was passionate about.

After two tours in Iraq, Herring would have his chance to fight as a representative of the Marine Corps boxing team and eventually earn a spot on the 2012 U.S. Olympic team.

“I didn’t start boxing till I was 15 years old. I only boxed a few years. Most of my experience came from boxing in the Marine Corps,” said Herring.

Compared to the rest of his Olympic team, Herring didn’t have the same level of experience or number of fights. It is something he would have to quickly adjust to if he was to make the team.

“I actually don’t regret starting where I did. I was dealing with so much going through the Marine Corps side of it. I didn’t have a lot of time to develop at a younger age to be where I needed to be at. As time went along with my deployments in Iraq, the Marine Corps helped a lot with my maturity,” said Herring.

He would win a gold medal at the 2012 Armed Forces Championships which led to his invitation to the U.S. Olympic Trials. A victory later he was on his way as the only Marine representing the United States in London. He was also a captain on that team because of his life experiences.

“It helped and going into the pro ranks but most of my amateur experience came from being on the Marine Corps team. I’m really proud of everything I achieved being on the Marine Corps team,” said Herring.

Those experiences which included the two tours in Iraq molded him and gave him the discipline needed to not only excel as an world class amateur but to take the next step as a professional. After leaving finishing his military career, Herring set off to Cincinnati, Ohio to train with Mike Stafford. The trainer is best known for working with former world champion Adrien Broner.

It was Stafford who spoke with Al Hamon and gave his approval of the fighter which ultimately resulted in him being signed by the famed manager.

“It’s funny because at first they weren’t sure about me because of my results in London. It was Mike who told them I made the Olympic team for a reason. What the results are don’t matter because making the team is a big deal,” said Herring.

That encouragement and support was enough to get their approval on signing him to a management deal and later being signed with Golden Boy Promotions.

Now as a professional Herring is well aware of what the fans want in terms of entertainment. He has since adjusted his style to better suit him on his way to becoming a ranked contender.

“I’m stronger than what I was in the amateurs because I’m sitting down on my punches more. After I got that first fight out the way I was okay without the headgear,” said Herring.

At his age he knows that every fight counts and plans on making the most of 2014. A busy schedule is just what is needed for him to be able to move up the ranks while gaining notoriety from the fans.

“I’m already up there in age. I don’t want to take off any time and miss out on what I should be doing. I just want to stay as busy as possible and at the end of the year fight for a regional title and get closer to fighting for a world title,” said Herring.

That journey continues Saturday night as Herring gets the opportunity to start the year off with a win and to show those that have believed in him that they made the right choice.

JC Casarez covers boxing and mixed martial arts. You can follow JC Casarez @wildcardking on twitter.