Atlantic City, NJ—Former world-title challenger Mike Jones, of Philadelphia, PA, ends his 26-month layoff Saturday evening, Aug. 23, when he boxes Jaime Herrera, of Franklin Park, IL, in the scheduled 10-round welterweight main event in the Grand Ballroom at Bally’s Atlantic City.
The Jones-Herrera contest tops a seven-fight card which will be streamed live by www.gofightlive.tv First fight is 7.30 p.m.
Jones (left), 31, has not boxed since June 9, 2012, when he was stopped late in the 11th round by Randall Bailey, of Miami, FL, in their contest for the vacant IBF welterweight title at the MGM Grand Garden Casino in Las Vegas, NV. At the time of the knockout, Jones was far ahead on all three scorecards.
Since that loss, Jones has relocated to Henderson, NV, and has been training in various gyms in Las Vegas, working with different trainers: Floyd Mayweather, Sr., Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, Miguel Diaz.
A pro since 2005, Jones has a 26-1 record with 19 knockouts. He has beaten Sebastian Lujan, Jesus Soto-Karass (twice), Henry Bruseles, Irving Garcia and Juliano Ramos.
“Two years late for work but it’s better late than never,” Jones said. “I’m excited to be back in action at Bally’s in Atlantic City, New Jersey, on August 23. I can’t wait to show the fans something special.
“I’ve always stayed in shape. I’ve been ready to fight for some time, but I didn’t like the terms. I cannot wait forever. If I can get one solid win under my belt, I’ll be back in the mix and ready for the best at 147 pounds.”
Herrera (right), 25, comes into this off the biggest win of his career, a fifth-round knockout over previously unbeaten Michael Finney, of Pahrump, NV, on March 29 at the Texas Station Casino in Las Vegas.
A pro since 2009, Herrera is 11-2-1, 6 K0s. He has a straight-ahead aggressive style and it should mesh well with Jones’ boxer-puncher attack.
“This is a terrific opportunity for me,” Herrera said. “It’s a big step up but I’m excited to test myself at the next level. Mike Jones is one of the best in the world at 147 pounds and I need to prove to myself and to others out there that I can compete at that level.
“We’ve been asking for this fight ever since we heard Mike was fighting again and now it’s here. I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
Herrera has won four in a row since losing a close, but unanimous eight-round decision to Adrian Granados, of Cicero, IL, early in 2012 in Chicago, IL.