LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – A recent Lubbock Cooper High School graduate competed in the second edition of the Mike Tyson Invitational last weekend in Las Vegas, winning his fight by unanimous decision.
Edgar Herrera Jr., 19, was handpicked by Mike Tyson to take part in the event, which showcases young boxers from around the world and was broadcast live on YouTube.
Herrera began boxing at age 6 after driving by the Lubbock Boxing Club and wanting to try it for himself. He said he was nervous early on, but with more training and experience, the sport became a constant in his life.
“I started getting comfortable with it,” Herrera said. “I started enjoying it like being excited for fights and that adrenaline just kept me going.”
At 19, Herrera has won one international and five national tournaments. He is currently ranked No. 2 in the country in the 110-pound weight class.
He was approached to compete in the Mike Tyson Invitational after his most recent tournament. On July 26, he won his bout by unanimous decision.
“Being able to be in that environment around all these great fighters and Mike Tyson himself, just him watching me fight means a lot,” Herrera said. “I’m blessed, that’s all I can really say man is I’m blessed.”
Herrera said the next step is to turn professional. He said he is not rushing the decision, knowing the work he puts in will determine when that becomes a reality.
“It’s a crazy feeling,” Herrera said. “It’s hard to put into my mind how far I’ve made it in the sport. From a little kid just wanting to train and defend himself to hitting the bag with Mike Tyson. It’s a surreal feeling.”
Herrera said consistency and faith have been central to his development as a boxer.
“Just showing up everyday, being consistent, having faith in God and just coming in and putting in the work,” Herrera said. “Hard work pays off.”
Copyright 2026 KCBD. All rights reserved.