Boxing needs Vladimir Hernandez and he's here for it

Carrying a 24-pack of bottled waters, a stem of bananas and an undeterred dream, Mexico’s Vladimir Hernandez squeezed out of a compact vehicle onto scorching asphalt Thursday, preparing to again expose his fighting heart.

“I love when the crowd’s into it. That always excites me, and I feed off the energy,” Hernandez said.

It doesn’t matter what the crowd size is. When the free-swinging, granite-chinned Hernandez is in the ring, the fans are typically in full-throated mode.

“Vladimir is a real, old-school warrior who’ll fight anyone, anytime, anywhere,” ProBoxTV matchmaker Daniel Rubin said. “Anyone who has a bad night versus Vladimir Hernandez will lose. He’s not a guy you can make a mistake with.”

Former 154lbs world champion Julian Williams found that out in 2021 when the left-handed Hernandez, 17-7 (7 KOs), upset him by split-decision. A year before that, Hernandez toppled former 154lbs title challenger Alfredo Angulo.

In 2023, touted prospect Lorenzo Simpson became another victim.

Two of the blemishes on Hernandez’s record are current WBC interim middleweight champion Jesus Ramos Jnr and former 154lbs champion Israil Madrimov.

Saturday night at the National Orange Show, Hernandez meets unbeaten Kevin Anton, 13-0 (12 KOs), a 6-feet-3 ProBoxTV rising contender, in a time-honored meeting between fighters with contrasting career hopes.

“I’ve had a lot of entertaining fights, but I’m not just satisfied with that. I still want to make it to the top. I still want to be world champion,” Hernandez said, delivering a smile made crooked by his continued willingness to exchange.

“I don’t care about [Anton’s] age or that he’s on his way up. I’m coming to do my work and take him out.”

Let’s be honest: Boxing sorely needs Vladimir Hernandez and his lot, the brawlers unafraid of scarring themselves or their win-loss percentage, knowing what the fans want, willing to test their ability against any man.

“I have no choice. I’m ready to do what I’m here to do,” Hernandez said. “I believe in myself… whatever age I’m at.”

Hernandez said he’s pondered his position rather deeply after losing a decision to Francisco Daniel Veron in his last bout and being away from the ring for a full year.

“It’s a must-win, and I’m ready to win,” he said. “I’m ready to go physically and mentally.”

With that, Hernandez faced Thursday night needing to shed a few more pounds to make the limit.

“I’ll do it… put on the plastics, jump rope, go for a run,” Hernandez said. “I’ll be there.”