Cuban middleweight Yoenli Hernandez says he is ready for battle this Sunday, October 12th at Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida. Hernandez believes he will be ready for anyone in the 160-pound division after that. Hernandez (8-0, 7 KOs) will face Mexican spoiler Carlos Mohamed Rodriguez (16-14-1, 7 KOs) of Baja California Sur, Mexico in the ten-round main event of Kris Lawrence & The Heavyweight Factory’s eighth installment of the “Fists of Fury” boxing series. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. In an era of rising Cuban stars that includes David Morrell Jr., Andy Cruz and others, Hernández is looking to change the perception of Cuban fighters as risk-averse combatants. With knockout victories in seven of his eight pro bouts, Hernandez is one of the most exciting fighters to come out of the current wave of Cuban boxers looking to overtake the sport. Originally from Camaguey, Cuba, Hernandez had an outstanding amateur career, competing for the Cuban National Team internationally. He abandoned the Cuban delegation in May 2023 during a stopover in Panama, and is now living in Providence, Rhode Island. 

 

The undefeated Hernández competed at the 2021 AIBA World Boxing Championships, winning the gold medal at middleweight. 

 

After his first two pro fights took place in Mexico, Hernandez’s last six outings have come stateside. His last bout, in May of this year, saw him win the toughest test of his career to date, a shutout unanimous decision over established contender Kyrone Davis (then 19-3-1, 6 KOs). Hernandez had little trouble controlling Davis in that performance.

 

In addition to the experience gained under the bright lights of fight night, Hernandez has been buoyed by rounds spent sparring with former multi-weight champion and future hall of famer Canelo Alvarez. During a break in final training preparations this week, the 28-year-old talked about his upcoming fight and his plans for taking over the 160-lb division in the very near future. 

 

Here’s what he had to say:

 

Q: What do you know about your opponent and why will you win this fight?

 

A: I don’t really know much about him. I trust my team. They have watched some of his fights and I’m very confident that they have come up with the right game plan.

 

Q: Are you surprised by the speed of your rise in the professional ranks?

 

A: I am very surprised at how fast I have risen up the ranks after my fight with Kyrone Davis. I am now at or near the top of all the ranking sanctioning bodies. I’m very happy with all the recognition I have received from the boxing world. I’m ready, willing and absolutely able to face the big names in my division.

 

Q: Do you have a message for your Cuban fan who will be in attendance that day? 

 

A: To all my Cuban fans, thank you for all the support in my career from the amateurs to this moment.

 

Q: Do you think you’re ready for a world championship fight?

 

A: This is a stay busy fight until those big names actually make a fight with me. I am ready for whoever has the belt in my division. Bring them on!