@JamelHerring on Twitter
Former WBO super featherweight world champion Jamel Herring retired from boxing after more than nine years as a professional boxer.
Herring announced his retirement on Twitter less than one hour after his fight against Jamaine Ortiz ended on Saturday, May 21, 2022. He did not immediately announce his retirement in his post-fight interview with ESPN’s Mark Kriegel, but he made his decision public shortly after.
I love this sport, but I owe it to my family to quit putting them through these moments. Thank you all, whether you were with or against me, you made me who I am, but it’s time. Semper Fi, salute 🫡
— Jamel Herring (@JamelHerring) May 22, 2022
Herring lost to Ortiz via unanimous decision. Herring remained competitive in the fight but came up short against a younger fighter with more speed. He had an adjustment period in this camp as he changed trainers. He left Brian McIntyre’s gym and trained with Manny Robles for the Ortiz fight.
After the fight, Herring traveled overnight to attend his daughter’s graduation in Ohio. Despite the loss, he was able to celebrate his daughter’s graduation and his long career.
Unfortunately, he finished his career with two consecutive losses. Before the loss to Ortiz, Herring fell to Shakur Stevenson via 10th-round TKO and lost his WBO super featherweight world championship in October 2021.
The loss to Stevenson ended his seven-fight winning streak and three title defenses. His final successful title defense came in April 2021 when he stopped Carl Frampton via sixth-round TKO in Dubai. The winner of that fight was in line to put the title on the line against Stevenson later in 2021.
Fighter. Marine. Hero.
Salute on an incredible career, @JamelHerring 👏 pic.twitter.com/JYWeTW8OsU
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) May 25, 2022
The stoppage win over Frampton stamped his legacy as an accomplished 130-pound world champion. It was his most impressive win as a professional.
In May 2019, Herring claimed the WBO super featherweight world champion with a unanimous decision win against Masayuki Ito. He was 33 years old when he became a world champion and held on to his title for two years and four months.
Herring (23-4, 11 KOs) will be remembered for his great achievements in under 10 years as a professional. Before he turned professional, Herring competed in the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. He qualified for the Olympics as an active duty member of the United States Marine Corps. He boxed as a marine, who served several tours of service.
His legacy will include his life as a professional boxer and a U.S. Marine. Herring served the United States with honor and valor and reached the pinnacle of boxing as a world champion.
