Judge Eric Cheek scored the fight 99-91 for Hernandez (11-0, 9 KOs), while David Sutherland had it 98-92 for him. Steve Weisfeld had the 10-round middleweight bout a draw at 95-95, though it felt like Hernandez did more than enough to score a comfortable decision victory.

Hernandez’s victory over Veron (17-2-1, 10 KOs) was the co-feature on the pay-per-view portion of the Rolando Romero-Teofimo Lopez undercard. The card headlined by their WBA welterweight title fight can still be streamed on DAZN and Amazon Prime Video for $79.99.

“It was a very interesting fight,” Hernandez said. “It was war, and you could see which of the two was better prepared physically. I liked that Verón was the type of fighter who applied pressure. That’s exactly what I was looking for in an opponent. It was really good for me to face a fighter like that. This was a fight that gave me valuable experience. I got the victory, and now I’m waiting for my big opportunity.”

Hernandez, The Ring’s No. 2-ranked middleweight, controlled the bout with his patented aggression and ability to land power shots. The Camaguey, Cuba, native set the tone early when he landed several right hands that moved Veron across the ring. He also did solid work to the body throughout against Veron.

Hernandez out-landed Veron by 95 punches, according to unofficial statistics (200-105). He finished with a 77-punch edge in power shots (122-45).

Veron, of Villa Libertador, Buenos Aires, Argentina, proved spiteful and didn’t relent under the pressure of Hernandez. Veron, 27, had his best moment of the fight late in the fifth round when he landed a left hook on Hernandez’s chin that knocked him off balance and sent him into to the ropes.

Hernandez, 29, recovered well and took back control of the fight by landing the cleaner and harder shots. The unorthodox Cuban’s advantage in strength and punching power ultimately told the tale against a tough Veron.

“I feel very good despite the result,” Veron said. “I know I put on a good fight. From what the crowd and my corner told me, they saw me winning. I’m leaving happy with the work I did.”

Veron entered on a three-fight win streak since his lone defeat by unanimous decision to Brandon Adams in August 2024 in a 10-round, 154-pound bout.

Hernandez entered the ring ranked No. 1 by the WBA and WBO, No. 2 by the WBC and No. 10 by the IBF. Veron had fought his last six fights at junior middleweight before moving up to 160 pounds to face Hernandez.