11.07.06 – By John Way: Carlos Hernandez, one of boxing’s most durable and determined practitioners is set to return to action this upcoming Friday in a bout with Sean Plessis on Telefura. Known throughout the hardcore boxing community for his granite jaw and indefatigable attack, the El Salvadorian has gone balls to the wall with pound for pound entrants Floyd Mayweather jr. and Erik Morales, along with top flight champions like Steve Forbes, Genaro Hernandez, Jesus Chavez, and David Santos.
For what it’s worth, Hernandez is the only man to send Mayweather to the canvas (albeit under dubious circumstances) and in the eyes of many, deserves to be unbeaten in his last two fights, split decision affairs each (against Chavez, and Bobby Pacquiao respectively). Assuming he can get past Plessis , a return go with the chronically injured Chavez seems to be the obvious course of action from that juncture.
With wins against Santos, Gregorio “Goyo” Vargas, Bernard Harris, Justin Juuko, Moises Pedroza, and Forbes to his credit, Hernandez has proven his merit time and time again. What he lacks in defense and punching power, he more that makes up with in modest hand speed, an impressive body attack, and unrelenting aggression complemented by educated head movement. Although he found himself on the canvas versus Pedroza and Pacquiao, in neither case was he close to being stopped.
Assuming Hernandez emerges unscathed from his fight with Plessis this Friday, he can count on big money fights down the road, most likely rematches against Pacquiao or Chavez. If neither of those showdowns come to fruition, “El Famoso” still figures into the title picture at junior lightweight. With his durability and desire, he may be the only fighter short of the top three at that weight who stand up to the thunder of Jorge “La Heina” Barrios. If none of the aforementioned fights materialize, possible confrontations could also involve Robbie Peden, Alex Arthur, or even recent Barrios victim, Janos Nagy.