Yoenli Hernandez returns to the ring next month against Carlos Mohamed Rodriguez in the 10-round middleweight main event on October 12 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Hollywood, Florida.
Cuba’s Rising Middleweight Contender
The Camaguey, Cuba-born Hernandez (8-0, 7 KOs) is ranked #1 WBA, #2 WBC, #5 WBO, and #15 IBF at middleweight. He’s considered a future star in the division and the one expected to take over soon. Yoenli is an explosive puncher with power in both hands and is capable of hurting his opponents at a moment’s notice.
From Kyrone Davis’ Domination to Rodriguez
The three-year pro Hernandez is taking a big step down in class in facing Carlos Mohamed Rodriguez (16-14-1, 7 KOs) from his last fight against Kyrone Davis. Yoenli dominated the well-known Kyrone, dropping him in round two, and beating him by a lopsided 10-round unanimous decision on May 31, 2025, in Las Vegas. The scores were 100-89, 100-89, and 100-89. That fight was a complete domination for Yoenli.
The fight against Carlos Rodriguez is one way of keeping the Providence, Rhode Island-based Yoenli busy until his promoters line up a bigger contest at Warriors Boxing and Heavyweight Factory Promotions. Hernandez is capable of beating a much better journeyman than Rodriguez. For his sake, hopefully, Yoenli doesn’t waste the best years of his career fighting unknown lower-level fighters.
It would be interesting to see Yoenli go up against the middleweight champions Carlos Adames and Erislandy Lara. Those fights would be a war for the 6’2″ Yoenli, and it would give him a chance to show what he can do against well-known fighters.
Yoenli’s Last four wins
- Kyrone Davis
- Angel Ruiz Astorga
- Bryce Henry
- Jose Sanchez Charles
Canelo Alvarez Sparring Experience Matters
Recently, Yoenli, 28, assisted former undisputed super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez in preparing for his title defense against Terence Crawford on September 13 in Las Vegas. It didn’t go too well for Canelo, but that’s not for lack of preparation.
Alvarez had the best sparring that money could buy from Yoenli and Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis. Maybe too good, as he looked worn from the hard training he’d done with these two phenoms.
Dan Ambrose has covered boxing since 2011, bringing fans insight on the sport’s biggest fights.
Last Updated on 09/30/2025
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