The WBC lightweight champion is Shakur Stevenson, who is moving up to junior welterweight later this month to challenge world champion Teofimo Lopez. The WBC also recognizes O'Shaquie Foster as the WBC interim lightweight champion. But this Saturday, January 10th, undefeated Cuban Jadier Herrera faces Panama's Ricardo “Cientifico” Nunez for another WBC interim lightweight title. The bout will take place at the Rudolf Weber-Arena in Oberhausen, Germany in support of the Agit Kabayel vs. Damian Knyba heavyweight main event. Foster is the legitimate WBC junior lightweight champion but he won the lightweightinterim title under corrupt circumstances. Forster was facing former two-division champion Stephen Fulton Jr. last year in what was supposed to be a junior lightweight fight. But Foster came in two pounds above the 130-pound weight limit and the WBC shockingly accomodated Fulton's failure by sanctioning the fight for an interim lightweight title. Foster won and remains recognized by the WBC in both divisions. What makes the Herrera vs. Nunez title sanction even more disgusting is the fact that Nunez lost his last fight to Jon Fernandez yet Fernandez was not given the opportunity to fight for this title.
Herrera (17-0, 15 KOs) enters this fight as a technical, disciplined boxer with a clear advantage in speed and distance control. A product of Cuba’s renowned amateur system, Herrera has successfully translated those fundamentals into the professional ranks, displaying tactical intelligence, accuracy, and a well-structured defense. This will be the toughest test of his career to date and a key opportunity to firmly establish himself among the elite of the division.
Standing in the opposite corner will be Nunez (26-7, 22 KOs), a battle-tested veteran with extensive experience at the world level. The Panamanian fighter is known for his physical strength, constant pressure, and ability to force high-intensity fights. Nunez has faced top-level opposition throughout his career and is well accustomed to competing away from home, a factor that could work in his favor on a demanding European stage.
The clash of styles adds an extra layer of intrigue to the contest: Herrera’s mobility, refined boxing skills, and strategic awareness against Nunez’s aggression, forward pressure, and experience. At stake is not only the WBC interim title, but also a privileged position within one of the most competitive divisions in boxing today.
