Jamel Herring claims his historic world title clash with Carl Frampton could be his last.
Frampton will face Herring in his bid to become Ireland’s first three-weight world champ after the American defended his WBO super-featherweight title in the early hours of Sunday.
Herring won at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand when challenger Jonathan Oquendo was disqualified for a series of headbutts, which left the champ with a nasty gash above his right eye and unable to continue.
Although Herring comfortably won on the scorecards, he was hurt by the criticism of his lacklustre performance and admitted he may retire after fighting Frampton.
“Sitting in a hospital alone while being called out with all sorts of negativity is something else,” he said.
“I’m not angry, I’m not sad, just deep in thought.
“I will still fulfil my obligations against Frampton, but that fight may be my last. I’ve lost too much time from my family as it is.
“I still want the Carl Frampton fight next by all means. November, December, whatever. I still want that fight next.”
Frampton, 33, who has won world titles at super-bantamweight and featherweight, may have to wait a little longer for his shot at history and Herring may need some time to recover from his cut.
Herring, 34, also says he will have to improve if he is to deny the Belfast fighter his dream of becoming a three-division world champ.
“I accept all the criticism, I’m not going to run and hide from it,” he said. “Nor will I celebrate or make an excuse about tonight.
“If anything, I’m more frustrated and I need to tighten up for Frampton, simple as that.”
Herring put Oquendo down in the second and the Puerto Rican responded by headbutting him repeatedly, opening up the bad wound.
Referee Tony Weeks stopped the fight at the end of the eighth because Herring could not carry on and the southpaw says he has never experienced anything like that before.
“We knew he was going to come head-first, we had to time it,” said Herring.
“In the end, I wasn’t happy with how I was looking. I’m disappointed with the outcome. I’ve never been in that situation before.”
