Masayuki Ito is something of a surprise champion ever since his unanimous decision win over Christopher Diaz for the World Boxing Organization world super featherweight title. But fans and gamblers have gotten used to his status as champion after he successfully defended his title belt last December in a seventh-round technical knockout win over Evgeny Chuprakov. But now Ito faces a new and unique challenger. Jamel Herring has impressed all since dropping down to the super featherweight division after struggles in the class above. Herring also has an interesting story that will captivate all.
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Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Florida will serve as the venue for the World Boxing Organization World Super Featherweight championship fight between Masayuki Ito (25-1-1, 13 knockouts) and Jamel Herring (19-2, 10 knockouts). This fight can be seen on ESPN and ESPN Deportes and is scheduled for 12 rounds.
Fight Preview
In many respects Jamel Herring is everyone’s All American. Herring is a former US Marine that served two tours of duty in Iraq as a field electrician. He is also a former US Olympian. After losing two out of three bouts at the 135-pound vision, Herring decided to move down to 130 pounds and the results have been impressive with three straight wins since the change. Herring is a southpaw going up against the orthodox Ito and has been a pro since 2012. Fighting on Memorial Day weekend will have extra meaning for Herring as it ties into memories of his deceased daughter.
“Not only is this fight on Memorial Day weekend, but May 25 would’ve been my daughter Ariyanah’s 10th birthday,” said Herring. “She passed away from sudden infant death syndrome, and I’m dedicated this fight to her. I have tremendous respect for Ito, but I plan on being his most difficult challenge. I don’t want to release too much of the game plan, but I won’t be bullied like his last two opponents once the bell rings. I need to thank my management team and Top Rank for this opportunity.”
This is the first championship fight opportunity for Herring and its likely that he’ll never get another one unless he can pull off the upset here. Herring signed on with Top Rank as he moved down to 130 pounds. Since the move he is 3-0 and had an impressive ESPN televised decision win over John Vincent Moralde last September. In his last bout on December 14 Herring scored a clear points decision win over Adeilson Dos Santos.
Ito had fought exclusively in Japan until he won the title belt last July. “I am excited to return to the Untied States to defend my world title,” said Ito. “I will be at my best, as I know Herring is a tough and experienced fighter. While I ultimately want to unify the 130-pound division, Herring is the task at hand. There is no sense talking about the future until I take care of business on May 25. “
Ito is coming off a satisfying win over Chuprakov back in his homeland of Japan. His win over Diaz looks less surprising as time moves on.
Further adding to the excitement and intrigue of this fight will be the expected attendance of World Boxing Council champion Miguel Berchelt, who has also expressed interest in taking part in a unification title bout. Berchelt is coming off a May 11 title defense win over Francisco Vargas that has fueled speculation that the 130-pound division may soon unify.
Boxing Betting Tips
While Herring brings and admirable and remarkable story Ito is the more proven choice here.
Boxing Odds Pick: Masayuki Ito
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With the boxing odds at BookMaker Sportsbook , you can bet on boxing all year, from smaller cards to pay-per-view events. Access live betting lines from your mobile device at BookMaker Sportsbook. Masayuki Ito vs. Jamel Herring takes place on May 25 at Kissimmee, Florida. The fight can be seen on ESPN and ESPN Deportes.
