Bogare Spoils Hernandez Ring Return

It had been over a year since we last saw Fort Worth’s Jose “El Loco” Hernandez (10-2, 4 KOs) in the ring, a devastating fifth round TKO over Arizona prospect Juan Garcia in 2008.  It was a watershed moment in the up-and-down career for the young pug from the barrio of Fort Worth.  Few had given Hernandez much of a chance against the talented Garcia, but through grit and determination, Hernandez was able to beat down his foe and capture the vacant WBC super featherweight youth title.

Since that fateful summer night, Hernandez has found his career put on hold.  A number of unlucky breaks befell the once ballyhooed young fighter, one serious knee injury, followed by a run in with the law and Hernandez found himself on the shelf all of 2009.  But Hernandez is a fighter, and after hitting rock bottom financially, and with no fights on the horizon, and no promotional push, Hernandez made the decision to get back in the gym in hope of resurrecting his career.  But Hernandez’s return to the ring was not without controversy.  Gone from Hernandez’s corner was life-long trainer George Galvan, in his stead Durwin Lamb took over corner duties.  Reports out of the Tarrant County PAL boxing gym told tale of a recharged fighter, one who was utilizing head movement and often neglected boxing acumen.

But just as the buzz of a Hernandez return was reaching a crescendo, “El Loco” flipped the script and linked back up with his previous trainer, George Galvan.  The result was to be a triumphant return to the ring this past Friday night in El Paso, unfortunately for Hernandez, that return was against undefeated prospect Sharif Bogare (14-0, 8 KOs).

From all reports, the fight was not even close.  Bogare came out strong, dropping Hernandez in the first round with a right hand.  Hernandez upped the attack in the second round, but Bogare deftly avoided his punches, and boxed him from the outside.  In complete control of the fight, Bogare ended the night of Hernandez in the third round.  A Bogare barrage spelled the end for Hernadez who was knocked to the canvas and unfit to continue the fight.

If you are a fan of Hernandez, you hate to see the way he went out against Bogare.  Not that there is any shame in losing to a fighter of Bogare’s considerable talent, but you have to think that the long layoff produced more than a little ring rust.  Perhaps this loss will force Hernandez and his handlers to realize that an active “El Loco” is a fighter to be reckoned with.