Jonathan Oquendo believes his patience will pay off Saturday

Jonathan Oquendo has already done this drill twice. And that’s OK with him. One thing the Puerto Rican junior lightweight has learned during the coronavirus pandemic is patience.

Oquendo was scheduled to challenge for Jamel Herring’s 130-pound title on July 2 but the fight was postponed after Herring tested positive for COVID-19. It was rescheduled for July 14 and pushed back again as a result of another positive test from Herring.

The fighters are now set to meet on Saturday in the MGM Grand “bubble” in Las Vegas on ESPN+.

“I’ve learned to be patient,” Oquendo told Boxing Junkie through a translator. “And I’ve learned also to have more respect for society in the situation we’re in. I haven’t been leaving my house. I’ve enjoyed time with my family and I’ve been dedicated to my craft in the gym. That’s all I’ve been doing.”

Oquendo (31-6, 19KOs) has been training for the fight since the two agreed to terms in late May, more than three months ago.

He and his team have careful to pace themselves, though. Oquendo has continued to train hard but has also taken strategic breaks so he’s fresh when he steps into the ring to face Herring (21-2, 10 KOs) in the MGM Grand ballroom.

“In boxing you always have to be focused,” Oquendo said. “Obviously, with the pandemic, it’s been difficult. You have to adapt. If you want anything in boxing, you have to adapt. … I’ve kept my focus, I’ve kept training hard. I’ve just dropped the intensity at times. It’s important to find times to rest.

“I’m in the best condition of my life. My weight is good. I’m only one pound over the weight right now. I’m ready for whatever he’s going to bring.”

Is he worried that the fight might be postponed a third time? Not really.

“I don’t think so,” he said. “Top Rank has done a great job . They’ve supervised Herring. I’ve been supervised. We’ve been professionals. It can’t happen again.”

That said, Oquendo is eager to hear the opening bell. The 37-year-old from Bayamon was considering retirement at recently as 2018. He was in his mid-30s, no one was calling him about big fights and he was relatively inactive.

Then, with the backing of Cotto Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions, he decided to give it one more run. He’s 4-1 since his failed attempt to take Jesus Cuellar’s featherweight title in 2015, losing only a competitive decision to Lamont Roach in May of last year.

The fight against Herring will be his second – and final? — chance to win a world title.

“I’m ready for that first bell,” he said. “I’ve given everything I have to get the victory for Puerto Rico. It really needs it right now. And I want to give my family something I’ve always wanted, to become a world champion.

“I’m at a good point in my life. When God tells me to hang up the gloves I’ll be able to show my kids that age doesn’t matter. It’s your intentions that matter. You can get what you want if you  work hard.”