Former title challenger Denis Shafikov (37-2-1) defeated previously unbeaten 2012 United States Olympian Jamel Herring (15-1) via TKO stoppage in the final round of a 10-round lightweight main event.
(Photo Credit: Nabeel Ahmad / Premier Boxing Champions)
Shafikov landed a leaping right hook in the second round that drove Herring onto the ropes for a ruled knockdown. The Russian landed consistent hard power shots from his left hand in round three.
Herring survived a flurry of power punches on the ropes in the 5th round, but by round seven Herring was cut around his right eye. Still, he continued to battle on the inside and trade shots.
Herring landed a vicious left hand in the ninth round that had Herring out on his feet, but he was able to make it to the end of the round.
(Photo Credit: Nabeel Ahmad / Premier Boxing Champions)
Finally, Shafikov landed one more crushing overhand left that had Herring’s corner on the ring apron and the fight was halted at 36 seconds of the 10th and final round. Shafikov trains with Abel Sanchez at The Summit in Big Bear Lake, California along with Gennady Golovkin.
(Photo Credit: Nabeel Ahmad / Premier Boxing Champions)
“I fought his fight and could not make the adjustments, said Herring during the post-fight interview. “I was surprised by his punch rate. Every time that I felt that I was slowing him down, he was just come fight back. I did not want the fight to be stopped, but my corner did the best thing for me. Losing is part of the game and all the greats have taken losses. I will be back.”
