Jamel Herring facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Jamel Herring
Statistics
Real name	Jamel William Herring
Nickname(s)	Semper Fi
Rated at	Super-featherweight Lightweight
Height	5 ft 10 in
Reach	70 in
Born	(1985-10-30) October 30, 1985 (age 39) Rockville Centre, New York, U.S.
Stance	Southpaw
Boxing record
Total fights	29
Wins	24
Wins by KO	12
Losses	5
Medal record Men's amateur boxing US National Championships Gold 2012 Fort Carson Light welterweight

Jamel William Herring (born October 30, 1985) is an American professional boxer. He was a world champion, holding the WBO junior lightweight title from 2019 to 2021. Jamel is also known for his time serving in the United States Marine Corps.

Jamel Herring's Early Life

Jamel Herring was born in Rockville Centre, New York. He grew up in Coram, New York. When he was a sophomore at Longwood High School, Jamel started boxing in 2001. His future coach, Austin Hendrickson, invited him to the boxing gym.

Becoming a Marine Boxer

In October 2003, Jamel joined the United States Marine Corps. He served two tours of duty in Iraq. He was based at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. He earned the rank of Sergeant during his service.

Jamel Herring's Amateur Boxing Journey

Jamel began his boxing training in 2001. His first loss as an amateur boxer was in 2002. He lost to Daniel Jacobs in the New York Junior Olympics Finals.

Balancing Boxing and Military Service

It was a challenge for Herring to train as a boxer while being an active Marine. He was sent to Fallujah, Iraq, in 2005. After returning, he immediately tried out for the All Marine Corps boxing team in 2006. While on the team, he competed nationally. He even fought against former world champion Jesse Vargas. Jamel was deployed again in 2007. After returning, he rejoined the Marine Corps boxing team. He won a silver medal at the 2010 World Military Games. He also won gold medals at the 2011 and 2012 Armed Forces Championships.

Olympic Dreams

In 2012, Jamel won gold at the Olympic Trials. This helped him qualify for the 2012 Olympics in London. He was the only active United States Marine to compete in boxing at the London Olympics. He was also the first active duty Marine to qualify for the US boxing team since 1992.

Jamel Herring's Professional Boxing Career

After the London Olympics, Herring decided to become a professional boxer. He finished his service with the Marine Corps. He then moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, to train with Mike Stafford.

Becoming a World Champion

In May 2019, Jamel Herring became a world champion. He defeated Masayuki Ito to win the WBO junior lightweight title. Herring won almost every round of the fight. The judges' scores showed he clearly won.

Defending His Title

In his first title defense, Herring fought Lamont Roach Jr.. Herring boxed well and won by a unanimous decision. His second title defense was against Jonathan Oquendo in September 2020. This fight had been postponed twice because Herring tested positive for COVID-19. Herring was in control of the fight. Oquendo was disqualified in the eighth round for repeated headbutts. This meant Herring kept his title.

In April 2021, Herring defeated former two-division champion Carl Frampton. He won by a technical knockout in the sixth round. This fight took place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Frampton retired from boxing soon after this loss.

Later Career and Retirement

Herring lost his WBO title in October 2021. He was defeated by Shakur Stevenson in the tenth round. Jamel Herring retired from boxing in May 2022. He had a great career as both an amateur and professional boxer.

Jamel Herring's Family Life

Jamel Herring has six children. Their names are Kamren, Stephen, Ariyanah, Jamel Jr., Jazmyne, and Justice. Sadly, his daughter Ariyanah passed away in 2009 from SIDS. The opening ceremony of the 2012 Olympic Games happened on the third anniversary of her passing. Jamel married his childhood friend, Jennifer Dickerson-Herring, in September 2015.

See also

• List of world super-featherweight boxing champions