Mario Herrera set for late September return in Las Vegas

Chicago super middleweight Mario Herrera will resume fighting in late September after an extended absence caused by injuries and the demands of his job as a Chicago police officer. The unbeaten 28-year-old will make his 11th pro appearance in Las Vegas as he looks to rebuild momentum at 168 pounds.

Why it matters: - Mario Herrera's return ends a months-long layoff that delayed his progress in the super middleweight division. - The late September bout gives the unbeaten Chicago fighter a chance to restart momentum while balancing a pro boxing career with midnight police shifts. - Herrera's next fight could shape the next stage of a career that has produced nine wins, one draw and seven knockouts.

What happened: - Herrera is set to return to the ring in late September in Las Vegas after an extended absence from competition. - The 28-year-old Chicago super middleweight holds a 9-0-1 record with 7 KOs. - The September bout will be Herrera's 11th professional appearance. - Herrera is also a Chicago police officer who works midnight shifts, and injuries from police duties helped delay his return. - The opponent, exact date and venue will be announced closer to fight night.

The details: - Herrera said the time away was difficult because he wanted to keep fighting, but he had to wait until he was ready. - Herrera has continued training under Fernando Perez while staying connected to boxing during the layoff. - Alexsis Pappas, Herrera's manager, said the priority was making sure Herrera was ready to move forward the right way. - Herrera's style is built on pressure, counterpunching and closing distance. - Herrera has often ended fights early when openings appeared. - The return gives Herrera a chance to rebuild momentum in the 168-pound division. - Herrera said he cannot change the time he was out of the ring, but he can control how prepared he is when he returns.

Between the lines: - Herrera's career has been shaped by two demanding schedules: overnight police work and daily boxing preparation. - The layoff may matter less than how quickly Herrera can regain rhythm once he is back in active competition. - Las Vegas adds a high-profile backdrop, but the bigger story is simply that Herrera is fighting again after waiting through disruption.

What's next: - Fight details, including Herrera's opponent, will be announced as the event approaches. - The coming weeks will focus on training and preparation with Perez. - Herrera enters late September looking to turn one return fight into the start of a new run.