Veteran contender Jonathan "Polvo" Oquendo will not allow the postponement of world title fight against Jamel Herring to be a pretext to let his guard down.
Originally, the fight was announced for July 2, but it was then postponed because Herring tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. Tentatively, the duo will face off on July 14 at the MGM Grand Conference Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Oquendo will have the opportunity to capture the super featherweight belt of the World Boxing Organization (WBO
“We are going to look at the positive things. It can happen at any time because the fight is signed, ”said Oquendo to Carlos Gonzalez. "Herring's health is paramount."
Oquendo explained that he made some changes to the training regime as a result of the change.
“It doesn't hurt me because I adapt to any situation and I decided to continue training. I had lowered the load because the fight was on July 2, but now I pressed up the tempo again so that when the new date approaches, I will just go down again," he said. "I had stopped sparring, but with the post-fight decision I decided to continue sparring."
Oquendo shared that the closings of the local gyms, due to the pandemic, led him to train in isolation.
“I was training behind closed doors and running on a treadmill. When I went to the gym, I was lonely and it was better that way because I can work more confidently,” Oquendo said.
“In boxing there is nothing written in stone. It's a matter of having a good workout and looking like a champion in the ring. It is my time and I will make the most of it. It will be wonderful for Vega Alta, because we need it right now."