Boxing Match Preview: Jadier Herrera (17-0-0, 15 KOs) vs. Ricardo Nunez (26-7-0, 22 KOs)
Event Overview
The bout between Jadier Herrera and Ricardo Nunez is a 12-round lightweight contest (135 lbs limit) for the vacant WBC Interim World Lightweight Title, serving as the co-main event on the card headlined by Agit Kabayel vs. Damian Knyba.
This matchup features a young, undefeated Cuban knockout artist in Herrera against the experienced Panamanian power puncher Nunez in a classic prospect-vs-veteran clash, with Herrera’s athleticism and precision potentially clashing against Nunez’s veteran savvy and durability.
Venue Location: Rudolf Weber Arena, Oberhausen, Germany.
This 12,650-capacity multi-purpose arena is a frequent host for boxing events in Europe, known for its intimate atmosphere and having previously staged fights like those involving Wladimir Klitschko and Agit Kabayel. It’s located in the heart of Oberhausen, easily accessible via public transport and near major highways.
Ringwalks are scheduled to begin at 4:00 PM CET (local time, 10:00 AM ET / 7:00 AM PT), with the Herrera vs. Nunez ringwalk anticipated around 9:00 PM CET (3:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM PT), depending on undercard progression.
The card will be broadcast on platforms like Sky Sports in the UK and potentially DAZN or ESPN internationally, with streaming options available.
Injury Report
Jadier Herrera: No reported injuries or health concerns as of January 5, 2026. Herrera’s most recent activity shows no setbacks, and training camp reports indicate full fitness.
Ricardo Nunez: No current injuries documented. Nunez’s last bout in June 2025 ended without issues, and no recent reports suggest any lingering problems.
Fighter Matchups and Profiles
This southpaw-vs-orthodox lightweight title eliminator could hinge on Herrera’s superior athleticism, footwork, and knockout power against Nunez’s experience in high-stakes fights and ability to absorb punishment. Herrera holds advantages in height (5’9″ vs. 5’6″) and likely reach (estimated 70″ vs. 66″), allowing him to control range with jabs and counters, while Nunez’s compact frame suits his aggressive, inside-fighting style.
Jadier Herrera (17-0-0, 15 KOs):
Background: 23-year-old southpaw from Camaguey, Cuba (residing in Dubai, UAE), nicknamed “One Billion.” A former amateur standout, Herrera turned pro in 2021 and is known for his explosive power, quick feet, head movement, and heavy hands, drawing comparisons to Cuban greats like Yuriorkis Gamboa.
Trained by Joe McNally in Liverpool, he’s ranked highly by major sanctioning bodies (WBC #3, WBO #10, IBF #11).
Notable Achievements: Undefeated pro record with 88% KO rate; recent wins over solid opposition like Jose Rodolfo Macias and Oliver Flores.
Ricardo Nunez (26-7-0, 22 KOs):
Background: 32-year-old orthodox fighter from La Chorrera, Panama, nicknamed “El Cientifico.” Debuting in 2010, Nunez is a durable power puncher with experience against elite talent, including Gervonta Davis, emphasizing volume and body work despite recent inconsistencies.
Ranked WBC #1 at lightweight, he’s a veteran with titles like Fedecaribe and Fedelatin.
Notable Achievements: Challenged for WBA super featherweight title in 2019; wins over prospects like Eduardo Pacheco.
Recent Form
Herrera enters on a nine-fight KO streak, showcasing dominance against escalating competition, while Nunez has been inconsistent, mixing wins with stoppage losses but showing resilience.
Jadier Herrera’s Recent 5 Fights
| Date | Opponent | Result | Method/Notes |
| Mar 2025 | Jose Rodolfo Macias Enriquez | Win | TKO (Rd 7) |
| Oct 2024 | Oliver Flores | Win | TKO (Rd 3) |
| Jun 2024 | Andres Navarrete | Win | TKO (Rd 1) |
| Mar 2024 | Mariano Jorge Sandoval | Win | TKO (Rd 4) |
| Dec 2023 | Juan Pablo Meza | Win | TKO (Rd 2) |
Herrera is 5-0 in his last five, all by stoppage, with an average finish under 4 rounds, highlighting his growing power and precision.
Ricardo Nunez’s Recent 5 Fights
| Date | Opponent | Result | Method/Notes |
| Jun 2025 | Jon Fernandez | Loss | DQ (Rd 3, illegal blow) |
| Apr 2025 | Melving Lopez | Loss | TKO (Rd 5) |
| Mar 2023 | Zaur Abdullaev | Loss | UD (10 Rds) |
| Jul 2019 | Gervonta Davis | Loss | TKO (Rd 2) |
| Apr 2019 | Eduardo Pacheco | Win | KO (Rd 1) |
Nunez is 1-4 in his last five, with losses to top competition but a quick KO win showing he still carries power.
Fight History
Head-to-Head: No previous encounters between Herrera and Nunez.
They share no common opponents of significance, though Nunez has faced elite punchers like Gervonta Davis, while Herrera’s resume is against regional talent.
FIGHT ODDS
Jadier Herrera – 1800
Ricardo Nunez + 750
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 9, 2025
