“Madman” Marcos Hernandez (14-3-1, 3 KOs) will look to put himself into contention for a world title when he takes on James “The Mandingo Warrior” Kirkland (34-2, 30 KOs) in the FS1 main event this Saturday from MGM National Harbor in Maryland. The Fresno, California native says he has made improvements in his most recent training camp with head coach Henry Ramirez that he believes will help him get by Kirkland and leap forward in his career.
“I’ve had a great camp and for the first time in my career I’ve added a strength and conditioning coach,” said Hernandez. “I’m constantly in the gym with Henry Ramirez working hard every single day. I was super focused going into this camp since I know this is a major opportunity to get me back in line for a world title shot. I know I have to take this seriously.
“Some people may have doubted me based on past fights, but that is only fueling my motivation. I miss my family a lot, but I know to be great, I have to do what it takes to go to the next level.”
For Hernandez, the veteran contender Kirkland represents the most notable opponent of the 26-year-old’s pro career, which dates back to 2013, while Kirkland has fought professionally since 2001 while compiling a knockout ratio over 80%.
“James Kirkland is a notorious fighter known for his power, but his time has come and gone,” said Hernandez. “This is a great opportunity for me since Kirkland is a popular fighter and when I beat him, people will take notice. I watched Kirkland growing up and I have studied his mistakes. Kirkland only has one style, but I have many. This will be a great fight for the fans because both of us have our backs against the wall and must win.”
Hernandez has faced a slew of fellow young contenders while competing four times on FS1 leading up to his first main event this Saturday night.
“I have been featured on many televised cards, but to actually get promoted to the main event on a great network like FS1 and with PBC, it just shows my hard work is paying off,” said Hernandez. “I am thankful to my team and everyone who’s put effort into my professional career. I’m grateful for this opportunity and I’m going to leave everything in the ring.”
Included in Hernandez’s exciting battles against fellow contenders are a pair of matchups against current unified 154-pound champion Jeison Rosario. Hernandez and Rosario fought to a draw in their first matchup before Rosario scored a victory in their February 2019 rematch. With a win on Saturday, Hernandez has his eyes on a trilogy for his first world title opportunity.
“When I win, I want to get back in there with unified champion Jeison Rosario,” said Hernandez. “I have fought Rosario twice already and the first time was a draw. I have unfinished business with him. I need to make a big statement and have a highlight-reel performance this Saturday night. I believe I can fight him this year. The fight would be a trilogy and who doesn’t like trilogies in boxing?”
Kirkland is an exciting fighter because of his punching power. However he gets hit too much and too easily and has a very cracked jaw. Ishida who is a feather fisted puncher stopped Kirkland a few years ago in the first round dropping him with a jab.
Kirkland had so much potential when he was with Ann Wolfe. However, his lack of discipline with the law and personal issues literally destroyed his path to a longer boxing career. Kirkland reminds me of someone with some antisocial personality traits. He never really weighed the consequences in life when he got in trouble and allowed his personal demons to mess his straight path up with no worries for the future. He kinda lived in the moment with no great planning. So sad.
you wouldn’t be thinking of AB the mouth would you?
Hernandez, just hit him before he hits you and you’ll win.
Probably doesn’t have the KO power to be a threat to even a past prime Kirkland.