A native of Camaguey, Cuba, Jadier Herrera developed an interest in boxing at the age of six. Boxing is in his blood, based on the fact that Jadier’s grandfather is Angel Herrera, a man who won two Olympic gold medals in 1976 and 1980.
In order for him to pursue a career in pro boxing, Jadier Herrera had to leave Cuba and relocate to Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Herrera made his pro debut in July 2021 when he stopped Medi Miiroin in the opening round.
Herrera got off to a great start as he knocked out his first five opponents. The knockout streak came to an end in Herrera’s sixth professional bout when Mark John Yap was able to make it to the 10th and final round.
It was a moral victory for Yap, but Herrera won the actual bout by way of unanimous decision. Herrera would go on to start a new KO streak as he stopped multiple opponents.
In February 2025, Shakur Stevenson was set to defend his WBC lightweight world title against Floyd “Kid Austin” Schofield. Unfortunately, the week of the fight, Schofield suffered an illness, and the fight was canceled.
The fight promoters scrambled to find a replacement for the world title bout, and the short list of potential opponents included Josh Padley and Jadier Herrera. Padley was selected, and Shakur defeated Padley via 9th-round TKO.
The undefeated Jadier Herrera felt he should have received the opportunity to fight Shakur, and during an interview with ‘All Facts No Opinions Sports Podcast,’ Herrera had a chance to express his thoughts.
“I want to say something, Shakur don’t run no more Bro. Don’t run no more,” Herrera said. “I’m coming for you, okay. This is boxing. I don’t give a f**k about Shakur. I don’t give a f**k about Padley. I’m here. I am 22-years-old. I have power and speed.”
Shakur Stevenson was made aware of Herrera’s call-out, and Stevenson went on social media to respond.
“Bro, y’all can’t be serious. I don’t know this dude, never heard of him or nothing, but he’s ass. They keep trying to direct me towards little kids. I want big names only,” Shakur stated in his post.
Jadier “One Billion” Herrera (18-0, 16 KOs) is an aggressive southpaw who has an active lead hand. Herrera is mobile; he has speed, good head movement, a good punch variation, and power.
Since the initial challenge, which happened over a year ago, Herrera continues to call out Shakur Stevenson. Realistically speaking, in order to get Shakur’s attention, Herrera needs a signature win.
With that being said, if the goal is to get a fight with Shakur, maybe Herrera should focus on another named opponent. A fight between Jadier Herrera and Floyd “Kid Austin” Schofield would be an action-packed thriller.
If Herrera can get a match with Schofield and survive the test, then that may be enough validation for him in regard to reaching his goal and finally getting Shakur’s team to send him a contract.
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