Hard luck, Maurico ''El Maestro'' Herrera gets Top-Billing on Saturday Night. School Is In Session!

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By German Villasenor, Doghouse Boxing (July 7, 2015)

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Mauricio Herrera vs. Ruslan Provodnikov Photo © German Villasenor, DHB

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In what will most likely be the last boxing card ever at the Los Angeles Sports Arena, Riverside, California's own, Mauricio ''El Maestro'' Herrera (21-5, 7KOs) will be closing the curtain on the venue. The former WBA Super lightweight title-holder takes on a game ''Hammering'' Hank Lundy (25-4-1, 12 KOs) in the Golden Boy promoted 10-round super lightweight main event bout for the vacant NABF 140 Lb. Strap. HBO Latino is televising the battle live on Saturday night.

Herrera, who to most boxing observers was robbed against Danny Garcia in February of 2013 with the WBC / WBA World Super Lightweight crowns on the line, went on to gain the Interim version of the WBA title in his next fight, nearly a year to the date as he won a majority decision against Johan Perez.

Hard luck reared its ugly head back up once more, as Herrera would lose the title in his next fight against Jose Benavidez four months later in another bout which most observers once again thought Herrera controlled and should have gotten the nod.

Herrera took those loses in stride, keeping the focus on staying positive.

“It is what it is. I can't do anything other than keep fighting. I know I won but I can’t change the decisions,” stated Herrera.

Seeing that those fights, somehow are being seen as close and going the opponent's way, is there anything that the fighter, born in the Lake Elsinore area, raised in Riverside can do about it?

“Not really, I mean in my last fight I was active and working to put some power shots in but I still didn’t get the win. That’s just the way it is but I use it to drive me. I’m frustrated and hungry.”

Herrera, very skilled in the art of counter punching, can be seen as ''the Mexican James Toney'' in reference to masterful work when fighting off the ropes, a style he has mastered and has worked in his favor more often than not. Examples such as his victory over former WBO Super Lightweight champion, Ruslan Provodnikov and the hard-hitting Ji Hoon-Kim.

“It’s all about smart fighting and patience is really important with that. I think it works because of my technique and patience, always looking for openings and being smart in how to exploit weaknesses.” went on to say.

Regarding being the main status fighter and focus of a lot of publicity due to this being the last card to be held at the Sports Arena, will the pressure get to the soft-spoken fighter?

Herrera responded- “We had a long camp so I don’t feel pressured that much. I feel prepared and confident, and as I said, I’m hungry given the decisions I’ve gotten in the past.”

Hank Lundy, one who doesn't bite his tongue has been outspoken in stating his dislike for Herrera, claiming he is the better fighter and will beat him, does Herrera think he is that good of a fighter, and what mental state does he need to be in, in order to win?

“Yeah I mean he’s a good fighter but I know what I’m capable of. It’s all about who is the hungrier fighter. I know I’m hungrier and ill prove it. “

In closing, Herrera added. “It is important to not get frustrated, to stay calm and patient and look for openings. As I said, I’ve had a long camp and I’m well prepared to deal with him (Lundy). To all the fans, come July 11th, school is in session!”

The televised co-main event features Michael "The Artist" Perez (22-1-2, 10 KOs) of Newark, New Jersey taking on Sharif "The Lion" Bogere (27-1, 19 KOs) in a 10-round lightweight fight for the vacant NABO Lightweight Title. 2012 U.S. Olympian Joseph "Jojo" Diaz Jr. (16-0,10 KOs) will open up the HBO Latino telecast in a 10-round featherweight bout against former WBC Silver Featherweight Champion Rene "Gemelo" Alvarado (22-4, 15 KOs) of Managua, Nicaragua.

Tickets priced at $10, $25, $50 and $100, plus applicable taxes and service charges, and are available for purchase at www.lacoliseum.com, www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations and by calling 800-745-3000.

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