Jeffries looks to defend IFBA featherweight title for record
sixth time; opponent Hernandez an unknown challenger to ‘Ali’i
Warrior of the South Bay’
Hollister – The wait is over.
After more than four months without a fight, Kelsey Jeffries returns to action tonight when she faces Melissa ‘Hurricane’ Hernandez at Seven Feathers Casino in Canyonville, Ore.
At stake is Jeffries’ International Female Boxers Association (IFBA) featherweight title – a belt the ‘Ali’i Warrior of the South Bay’ is set to defend a record sixth time.
“I feel ready,” Jeffries said before leaving for Oregon Tuesday. “I feel good. I feel strong. I feel quick.”
The Hollister-based boxer has seen four scheduled bouts fall through since she lost a unanimous decision to Jackie Nava in a World Boxing Council (WBC) super bantamweight title fight in late January. Jeffries, 30, continued her rigorous training throughout the lengthy layoff, a regimen that culminated in a recent 16-day camp with trainer Buddy McGirt in Vero Beach, Fla.
Tonight marks the first time Jeffries will face Hernandez, a New York City-based Puerto Rican who trains at the vaunted Gleasons Gym. With just three professional fights to her name, Hernandez classifies as a significant unknown to Jeffries.
“I know absolutely nothing about her except she comes to fight,” said the Ali’i Warrior, who hasn’t seen video footage of her challenger, “(and) she comes from one of the best gyms.”
Jeffries (33-9) knows better than to overlook her opponent simply because of inexperience, noting an edge Hernandez enjoyed in preparation.
“She’s got everything to win in this fight and I’ve got everything to lose,” Jeffries said. “She knows everything about me. I know nothing about her.”
Bruce Anderson, Jeffries’ manager, said overconfidence wouldn’t even factor into the equation for the ‘Ali’i Warrior of the South Bay’.
“Kelsey prepares for every one of them like they’re Muhammad Ali,” Anderson explained. “She doesn’t take anybody lightly.”
Taking a record of 3-0 into the 10-round bout, Hernandez, 26, told Women Boxing Archive Network that she sees this title fight as a golden opportunity.
“I look at this bout as a ‘win-win’ situation for me,” she said. “I’m fighting one of the best boxers in the sport and that’s exactly why I turned ‘pro’ in the first place.”
“Kelsey is a great boxer,” Hernandez continued. “She comes right at you. I think I can match her speed and I’m a bit younger and my hand speed is as good as anyone. But, worst case, this fight will be a great learning experience for me.”
Asked to assess the fight, Anderson said, “I’m looking for it to be very interesting for 4-5 rounds, the first half of the fight. I think this girl’s got enough stones that she’s going to stand in front of Kelsey until she gets knocked down.”
Noting that Hernandez has “the reputation of being very fast and very slick,” Anderson said he believed Jeffries would eventually wear her opponent down.
“In the second half, skill and conditioning will take over,” Jeffries’ manager said. “Basically, I don’t see this girl bringing (Jeffries) anything she hasn’t already seen.”
One familiar challenge Hernandez is likely to bring is a fighter who weighs considerably more than Jeffries. After meeting the 126-pound limit Wednesday, Hernandez might weigh considerably more come opening bell tonight.
“She’s going to be big,” said Jeffries, who weighed in at 123 pounds last Thursday, “(but) I’ve got to feel strong at my size. She’s going to be close to 135 in the ring, but I’m used to that. I’m cool with that.”
“I’m comfortable where I’m fighting,” the ‘Road Warrior’ said. “I know what it’s like to be in the ring, (but) I’m not expecting anything from the judges at all. I don’t have any pull, any fight from the judges. Yeah, they’ve seen me fight before, but I don’t trust any of them.”
After successfully defending her IFBA featherweight title five times, Jeffries looks to retain her championship against a spirited challenge from Hernandez.
“She’s coming to take my belt,” Jeffries said. “I’m expecting a tough fight.”
