By Ben Jacobs

Few would begrudge Mauricio Herrera a victory having lost more than one close, controversial decision in his career.  The Californian’s bout with Hank Lundy last month was shaping up to be a highly entertaining one before cuts to Herrera prematurely ended the contest in the fifth round.

Herrera recently spoke to BoxingScene.com to reflect on the short encounter with Lundy and discussed the continuing post-fight back and forth with the Philadelphian.

“I was so mad because it was a big fight for me, I wanted to look good,” Mauricio explained regarding the cut.

“It was the first round and it kind of changed everything.  I felt I did enough to win the first round but I lost my composure in the second and third through being frustrated.  I had seen what Lundy had and I wanted to take him out.  I hurt him to the body and I heard him let some air out but I couldn’t go 100%.  I was held back by my eye and that was frustrating.

“I realised how big it was when the doctor said, ‘Oh shit.’  He said it was one punch away from being really serious so it was a disappointing way to win.  I wanted to stop Lundy, it seemed he was gassed out and it was only the fifth round.

“Finally they called my name, it was a bittersweet moment as I wanted to give the fans a better fight.  I’m more relaxed now and happy to get the win.  I hope for bigger names now.”

On most occasions the pre-fight verbals tend to soften after the final bell has rung, nevertheless, this time Lundy and Herrera have continued to trade messages on social media.  Herrera outlined more details:

“The guy over did it.  I don’t take it too seriously normally, it’s a sport.  He started bashing on my wife on Instagram and it got personal.  If he wanted a rematch it’s even further away now.  If he wants a beatdown I’ll give it to him.  Not right now, maybe later, if he accomplishes anything.  He’s gone overboard so he can do his own thing now.  Even after the fight his wife wanted to fight my wife.  We tried to make it peaceful.  When the fight is done it’s over.  When you talk about someone’s wife and it gets personal, that’s different.”