Jamaica’s Frazer faces tough Hernandez
Published:Saturday | February 25, 2023 | 12:38 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
Undefeated Jamaican boxer Joshua Frazer puts his 7-0 record on the line when he takes on Uriel Hernandez of Mexico in his first eight-round bout this evening at the CAA Centre in Brampton, Canada.
Hernandez is expected to give Frazer his toughest challenge to date. Although he has just one win from his last six fights, the Mexican was 12-2 from his first 14 fights and is a battle-hardened opponent who could push the Jamaican in this light-middleweight contest.
Even so, Joshua’s father and coach, Dewith Frazer, does not expect the bout to go the distance.
“This opponent is tough. He is very clever. He has 20 fights. He has been the distance with some quality fighters who are undefeated, so he is not a fighter who is coming to do one round.
“But I do not expect Joshua to go the distance. I expect him to stop him after four or five rounds,” he said.
Joshua stands at a height of six feet three inches compared to Hernandez, who is five feet eight inches, and coach Dewith wants him to use his reach to his advantage.
He noted that Joshua has been working on this aspect of his boxing and is expected to control the fight.
“I expect him to use angles being a south paw. He has to utilise that reach because, when he gets to the bigger stage with better fighters, they are going to try and get close to him and I want him to control the ring with his, especially his jab, and also do some body work,” coach Dewith said.
With Joshua going eight rounds for the first time, Dewith said that he will have to start out a bit slower than usual, because he has only been to six rounds once.
Even though he does not expect the bout to go the full distance, he declared that Joshua is well prepared if it comes to that.
“Joshua is looking very good in training. He is really strong, explosive and, every fight, he is growing and looking more like a professional.
“Whatever round we go in the ring for, we are ready for it. We do not plan to go eight rounds but he is ready to go eight rounds if he has to.”
He added that the aim is to become world champion, and that things are progressing in the right direction for the 29-year-old.
“When we started the journey, it was not just to be a fighter but to be a world champion, and the process is looking better and better every fight.
“Jamaica is a country that produces world-class athletes and we just want to ensure that Joshua represents that same mannerism and continue that trend,” he said.