Jamel Herring went through the same emotions that most retired fighters go through. Following back-to-back losses to Jamaine Ortiz and Shakur Stevenson, the former Marine announced that he was done with the sport of boxing.

Being a full-time commentator and a family man is something that the former champ enjoys but Herring is a fighter, always has been and always will be. So, after 18 months on the shelf, the now 38-year-old returned this past Tuesday night in New York City. Despite his time away, Herring looked like he didn’t lose a step as he easily and violently stopped Nicholas Molina in the first round.

With his skills still ostensibly there, Herring (24-4, 12 KOs) is hoping to get a title shot against IBF belt holder, Joe Cordina. Wanting a crack at a title and actually landing one, however, are two different things.

Herring has been in the game long enough to know how things usually go. Although his preferred next opponent is Cordina, he isn’t going to handcuff himself to the Brit and limit his options. If Cordina is out of the equation, Herring revealed that he would have no problem fighting the super featherweight division’s WBO champion, Emanuel Navarrete.

“If that fight presents itself, we’ll come up with a game plan to beat Emanuel Navarrete,” explained Herring to BoxingScene.com after his latest win.

Navarrete (38-1, 31 KOs) is doing what he always does. Meaning, he’s remaining active and racking up the wins. After stopping Liam Wilson in the ninth round to kick off his year, Navarrete pocketed the biggest win of his career against Oscar Valdez. To close out his 2023, the Mexican star will take on Robson Conceicao next week in Las Vegas, Nevada.

From the outside looking in, Navarrete appears to be as dangerous as they come. His ubiquitous offense and perpetual engine, nevertheless, motivate Herring to a certain degree. With his career now in its second act, Herring is letting the rest of the division know that he’s ready, willing, and able to take on all challengers.

“I always been a guy that wanted to test himself. I ain’t never duck nobody.”