Jadier Herrera Climbs Off the Canvas and Signals Bigger Plans at 135

Jadier Herrera said the belt was a step, not a finish line, after getting off the floor to secure the WBC interim lightweight title on Saturday night.

The 23 year old southpaw was dropped early by veteran puncher Ricardo Nunez, then steadied himself and took control the rest of the way. Speaking afterward in a Queensberry Promotions interview, Herrera made it clear he is aiming beyond one strap at 135.

“This is not the limit. I want more at lightweight,” Herrera said through a translator. “I feel amazing. I came from nothing. This is one dream.”

Herrera linked up with the British promoter in May 2024 and has since rattled off four stoppage wins, though his activity slowed in 2025 with only one fight before this assignment. The bout had originally been penciled in for the undercard of Joseph Parker vs Fabio Wardley last October, making the short preparation window a test in itself.

Trainer Joe McNally was pleased with the response after a shaky start.

“We put a lot of work into his hand positioning,” McNally said. “He switched off for a second and paid for it, but he showed character. He got up, reset, and took over.”

The right hand that put Herrera down was only the second knockdown of his career, yet it was not brushed aside inside the fight. He admitted the early surprise forced adjustments.

“It caught me by surprise, but I wasn’t hurt,” Herrera said. “I knew I had to change things in the fourth and fifth. More jabs. More feints. More pressure.”

That mix of vulnerability and aggression makes Herrera an easy watch in a lightweight class already filling up with young names like Abdullah Mason and Floyd Schofield.

He is still a work in progress, but the power and temperament are clear. With steadier activity and a gradual rise in opponent level, Herrera looks close to forcing his way into The Ring top ten, whether or not a full world title follows.