Jamel Herring laughs at the memories. The undefeated 30-year-old lightweight is allowed to do so. All real tough guys are permitted such releases. It is like a special club that only the brave are allowed to join; it comes from an inherent steely resolve constantly whispering in their heads saying they can grin down danger.
Herring has experience in that department. He has seen roadside IEDs blow up. He has had RPG rockets whizz across his head. His initial natural reaction was to flinch, as anyone would, then spot the trouble and take care of it. It was all part of two tours in Iraq, in 2005 and again in 2007, and though he was a 2012 Olympian, you get the sense he is far more proud of being a United States Marine for nine years.