Yoenli Hernandez Dismisses Rumors of World Title Bout Against Cuban Compatriot

The middleweight boxing division is heating up, with two of the three world champions set to defend their titles in the coming months. A unification bout is anticipated later this year. While attention is focused on champions Janibek Alimkhanuly, Carlos Adames, and Hamzah Sheeraz, a new contender has emerged in the form of two-time amateur world champion Yoenli Hernandez. However, it appears the Cuban boxer will have to wait a bit longer for his chance in the spotlight.

Unification is the current trend at 160 pounds, with WBO and IBF titleholder Alimkhanuly aiming to become the first four-belt champion in the weight class and the first undisputed champion since Jermain Taylor in 2005. Both Adames and Sheeraz are eager to disrupt the Kazakh’s plans, with the winner of their upcoming WBC title fight expected to face Alimkhanuly before year’s end.

The final piece of the undisputed puzzle is the WBA title, currently held by 41-year-old Erislandy Lara. Recent reports suggested that Lara might defend his belt against fellow Cuban and top-rated WBA contender Hernandez on the undercard of the Canelo-Scull fight on May 3. However, Hernandez has now publicly refuted these rumors.

In a Facebook post, the 27-year-old Hernandez stated, “I want to make it clear that this fight is not going to happen. My objectives are not with Lara right now. To the journalists spreading this information, please do not say things that are untrue. I do not have my eyes on Lara. If you want a fight, look to the person ranked second after me in the rankings. That’s where my focus is currently.”

The WBA rankings currently list Shane Mosley Jr. as the #2 contender behind Hernandez, while Thomas ‘Cornflake’ LaManna holds the WBA Gold middleweight title. As the middleweight division continues to evolve, it remains to be seen who will emerge as the next challenger for the various world titles at stake.