Jamel 'Semper Fi' Herring talks about the tradition of marines in boxing

Jamel 'Semper Fi' Herring wants to continue that tradition of marines in boxing

Jamel Herring wants to continue the legacy of representing marines in the sport of boxing when he defends his WBO super-featherweight title against Carl Frampton in this weekend's massive showdown.

The D4G Promotions event takes place at Caesars Palace Dubai on Saturday, as Herring (22-2, 10 KOs) puts his belt on the line against Frampton (28-2, 16 KOs), in what is the biggest fight to ever take place in the region.

Herring enlisted in the Marines in 2003 and served two tours of duty in Iraq, and he has reflected on how that has helped set him up for this historic battle.

What does boxing in the Marines mean to you?

Herring: "I want to be known as one of the best marines to represent in the sport of boxing, and to continue that tradition of marines in boxing.

"Being in this sport is a blessing, especially as this level, as I've been through a lot worse. I've dealt with two deployments, and I've lost family and friends.

"I always wanted to be part of something special, and I feel I have a lot more to prove. A win in this fight opens a lot of doors for me for future fights."

You have spoken before of your respect for Carl, is that still the case so close to fight week?

Herring: "I've always been a fan of Carl's. He was named Fighter of the Year at one point, and he knows what it takes to win title fights. He wants to make history, and his legacy is already cemented.

"He didn't need this fight, as win lose or draw he'll go down as one of the best, but a win here for me solidifies me as a legitimate super-featherweight world champion."

Have the delays affected your preparation in any way?

Herring: “I’m really excited that the fight is finally happening, more importantly it’ll be an honor to share the ring with a true warrior, and class act such as Carl Frampton. It may be the biggest fight of my career to date, but I’ll be more than ready for the task ahead.

“There’s a lot on the line, and I know he’s aiming to make history, but he’ll have to wait another day, because I plan on returning home with my title in hand. I’ve been training very hard for this fight, and went back to what got me to my world title from sparring the likes of Terence Crawford and other top talent across the nation. I can’t wait to put on a great show!”

Herring vs Frampton

Elsewhere on Saturday’s Herring vs Frampton event, Zhankosh Turarov and Tyrone McKenna meet for the WBO Intercontinental super-lightweight title, American prodigy Keyshawn Davis faces Richman Ashelley, four-weight world champion Donnie Nietes clashes with Pablo Carillo for the vacant WBO International super-flyweight title, Kazakhstan sensation Tursynbay Kulakhmet defends his WBC International super-welterweight title against 20-0 opponent Heber Rondon, and local stars Faizan Anwar and Fahad Al Bloushi return.

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