"My goals this year are to simply step it up and see where I'm at, not only as a person, but as a fighter in the ring. I hope I can maybe grab one of these regional titles that can maybe start moving me in the rankings to look at a world title in the following year, but right now, I'm just focusing on one fight at a time. I have a good team around me, people in Al's circle, from Brad and Sylvia Owens to the entire Watson family team have been looking out for me and saying good things, so I'm optimistic that things will run smooth under Al. All I got to do is just train and be ready when they call," stated up-and-coming lightweight Jamel Herring, who talked about his most recent win, his future plans, and more. Check it out!
PC: Congratulations on your win over Hector Marengo. Tough dude, huh, Mel?
JH: Tough dude indeed, brother! I know he felt my power though because after I put him down in the first, he was hesitant to engage throughout the night, but he was still a tough guy and could take a punch.
PC: After scoring three consecutive 2nd round knockouts in your previous fights, how did it feel to go 8?
JH: Carla Ja thought this would be another 2nd round KO, but it didn't come, which is cool by me because I did get to work on some things and experience how my body felt going the distance. Like my bro Hec from Philly always says, "Mel, don't go looking for the knockout. if it comes, it comes. If not, work on some things and get the experience!" So with that being said, I just looked at it as an opportunity to get some work and in the end, it turned out to be great because everyone and my team were impressed. They told me they felt confident on moving me up to 10-rounders plus fight better competition and that's exactly what I want.
PC: Like you mentioned, you put Marengo down early in the fight. How key was it to remain patient in case he was durable?
JH: It's always cool to remain patient because not everybody stays down, and a prime example of that is Marcos Maidana. Reason why I use him as an example is because he was a guy who was put down in the 1st round by Amir Khan. He looked like he was in some real pain from that body shot, but we seen what happened afterwards. He started to get stronger as the fight went on and nearly came close to knocking Khan out. Another example from Maidana is the fight between him and Victor Ortiz. He was dropped by Victor early and Victor got overly excited looking to finish him and then got put down himself and eventually stopped, so that's why I always try to remain calm and cool because you never know what's going to happen after they get up from beating the count.
PC: Any word on your next fight? When can we expect to see you again?
JH: Funny you ask because I just got off the phone with my trainer and mentor, Mike Stafford. He told me he's trying to get ahold of Al [Haymon] today so we could potentially get back in the ring around May. Hopefully the beginning of May around the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight, but we'll see. If not May, I know Adrien is having his next fight around June 6th, but if it was up to me, I'd like to fight both May and June.
PC: What are your goals for this year? Are there certain things you want to accomplish or position yourself for before the year's end?
JH: My goals this year are to simply step it up and see where I'm at, not only as a person, but as a fighter in the ring. I hope I can maybe grab one of these regional titles that can maybe start moving me in the rankings to look at a world title in the following year, but right now, I'm just focusing on one fight at a time. I have a good team around me, people in Al's circle, from Brad and Sylvia Owens to the entire Watson family team have been looking out for me and saying good things, so I'm optimistic that things will run smooth under Al. All I got to do is just train and be ready when they call.
PC: Are you still in the gym heavy like you used to be or the more experience you gain as a pro, are you not training as much when you don't have a fight lined up?
JH: You know I'm still in the gym heavy! I have learned though after going the distance, your body needs more rest, so after my last fight, I took a little bit more time off and just enjoyed spending time with my family while letting my body fully heal. As of now though, I plan on getting back in the gym to prepare for what's next. I look at myself as somebody who hasn't accomplished anything yet, but that's what keeps me hungry and humble. I don't get like some of these guys who get a few knockouts and think they're ready for a world title, because at this stage where I'm at, I'm expected to beat these guys. I want to get to that level where people are going to say, "this is a good fight for Herring; may even be a tough one." Once I get to those opponents then beat them, I'll start feeling more accomplished because right then and there, I'll know that I'm working hard and becoming something, but I'll still remain humble and continue to work as if I've never had anything.
PC: What are your thoughts on Al Haymon having boxing on just about every major network out there and how do you think you will benefit from it?
JH: As a fighter, I can't complain. It's actually a blessing because he's giving us the opportunity to gain more exposure to a wider audience. You gotta remember, I haven't been seen on TV since my pro debut at the end of 2012, but it's been guys like you and my talent itself to help keep me relevant in many eyes of fans. With all these TV and fight dates appearing this year, I'll hopefully get the chance to show more people how I've grown and that I mean serious business.
PC: Any particular opponent or name you are focusing on or is it just anyone who could gradually move you up?
JH: You know me, I'm all about taking steps forward and moving up in terms of progressing. I know people have mentioned me stepping up and fighting guys like Chop Chop and Rod Salka, but it's been talk for the most part at this stage. I've been looking at guys like Samuel Kotey Neequaye to step it up against since I believe it'll be a good tune-up fight to what's to come, but we'll just have to wait and see. I know people look at my last two fights and probably see nothing more than my opponents' records and question on why I'm fighting guys like that, but people fail to realize what goes on behind the scenes. For example, my last fight, I was supposed to fight a guy who's had 47 fights, but he dropped out and didn't want to fight. Then I was supposed to fight a kid who appeared on the Cotto-Martinez card who had 20-something fights, but he dropped out because he got cut above his nose in training. And not to mention a few fights back, I was supposed to fight Daniel Attah, but he dropped out and decided to fight Chop Chop Corley. I mean, I want to step it up and move up in my career and ranking, but it's hard when opponents refuse to fight you at the last minute and my team has to scramble to get a last minute replacement.
PC: Keep me posted on everything you have going on. Best of luck moving forward and we will definitely be in touch. Is there anything else you want to add before I let you go?
JH: You know I'll keep you posted, man, and thank you for taking the time to allow me to speak my peace on some things. I just want to also say thank you to everyone out there supporting me. It's greatly appreciated. You guys can also hit me up on Twitter and Instagram @JamelHerring. Thank you once again and God bless.
[ Follow Percy Crawford on Twitter @MrLouis1ana ]