Withdrawal changes direction

For Tucker, the showdown with Hernandez represents a major step forward. Hernandez has stopped eight of his nine professional opponents and built his reputation through consistent pressure and hard punches. He forces his opponents to engage and keeps them there, making long-distance combat difficult.

Kyrone Davis fought Hernandez for 10 rounds earlier this year, but the fight was decided early on. Hernandez knocked out Davis in the second round and controlled the rest of the night, winning every round on all three scorecards. Davis is still on his feet, but he’s reacting rather than dictating conditions.

This result is notable because Davis has previously given David Benavidez tough bouts in 2021 and showed he can compete at this level. Hernandez took control of the game early and gave Davis no chance to change the situation.

For Tucker, whose strengths lie in timing and positioning, Hernandez presents a thorny style problem. Warriors applying steady pressure eliminate space and power exchanges. These situations often quickly reveal where the young warrior stands.

stay a contender

Instead, Tucker’s current route is through Akale. He’s facing a seasoned opponent who brings experience but won’t have the same impact as a direct competitor. The game allowed Tucker to stay active while delaying a direct test against one of the most physically demanding competitors in the division.

Hernandez remains high in the WBA rankings and now appears to be on his way to the veteran checkpoint in Gausha. Tucker’s fight is no longer on the cards, but his standing in the division remains intact.