Mauricio Herrera pounded out a ten round unanimous decision over former world title challenger Ji-Hoon Kim that highlighted a special edition of ESPN Friday Night Fight’s at the Omega Products Outdoor Events Center.
The show was promoted by Banner Promotions and Thompson Boxing. Herrera boxed well early in the fight. Kim tried to bore in with his usual volume of punches. He landed some but the more effective blows were landed by Herrera. Herrera kept boxing and working the body as Kim came in with hard shots.
Herrera had a big round six as he rocked Kim’s head back numerous times with a five punch combination. Kim kept coming forward as if nothing hit him but it was a very effective stanza for Herrera. Round seven was more of the same as it was action filled with Herrera connecting and yet Kim seemed undaunted and continued to come forward and throw punches in volume. Herrera continued to land but in round eight, he started to bleed from under his left eye.
Kim had a good round nine as he got the better of a furious exchange along the ropes. That was Kim’s only hope as Herrera cruised down the stretch and won by scores of 99-91, 99-91 and 98-92.
Herrera, 140 lbs. of Riverside, CA is now 19-3. Kim, 140 lbs. of Gyong, South Korea is now 24-9.
“He was a tough guy and I knew that. I had to stay smart and be quick. I am looking for a world title shot,” stated Herrera after the fight.
