The Cuban school of boxing has established a bad rap in recent years, mostly due to the likes of Guillermo Rigondeaux and William Scull stinking up the joint in marquee matches.

Knockout artist Yoenli Hernandez (7-0, 7 KOs) is from the new school, and wants to show his scorching hot fighting style Saturday when taking on Kyrone Davis (19-3-1, 6 KOs) in a 10-round middleweight matchup at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas on Prime Video.

“I’m coming to showcase my talent for the world and put Cuba on top,” said Hernandez. “The Cubans fans have always given me lots of love and support, and it truly motivates me to be the best. Because of them, I will become a world champion.

“This new generation of Cuban fighters are doing everything possible to change any negative perception of Cuban fighters. Nobody likes to take punches, but I’m a risk taker. I’ll show everyone that I can dish out the pain.

“This is a great opportunity for me to show where I stand in the middleweight division against an opponent who’s got great experience. We’re doing everything we have to, in order to leave no doubt that I’m ready for the best.”

With the likes of Rigondeaux and Erislandy Lara now over 40, the fresh and entertaining faces leading the charge as Cuban flag bearers include David Morrell, Osleys Iglesias, Andy Cruz, Yoenis Tellez, Jadier Herrera, as well as brothers Dainier and Lenier Pero.

The 27-year-old, Providence, Rhode Island-based Hernandez has just 33 rounds under his belt ever since making his pro debut in 2022, but has quickly proven he packs a powerful punch, which has helped his case in changing negative perceptions and stereotypes.

“The Yoenli that you see now is much more focused than when I had my first two pro fights,” said Hernandez. “Ever since making my U.S. debut I’ve become more and more confident with every fight. I didn’t think I’d adapt so quickly, but I’m always evolving and progressing in the ring. We work hard in the gym and never stay still.”

Hernandez has also given spirited sparring sessions to undisputed super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez in recent years.

The middleweight division has been starved of star talent in recent years, and Hernandez believes he can be a leader in the bunch, which is currently led by Janibek Alimkhanuly.

Standing in Hernandez's way is Davis, an 11-year veteran and prospect buster who surely is no stepover. Davis is coming in off a career-best decision victory in June against then-unbeaten contender Elijah Garcia.

The Stephen “Breadman” Edwards-trained Davis, 30, has previously risen to the occasion in notable fights, fighting to a 12-round split draw against Anthony Dirrell in 2021 and lasting seven rounds before getting knocked out by David Benavidez.

“A win on May 31 will 100 percent let everyone know I need a title shot,” said Davis. “Stop playing with my name. So how many of these guys do I have to beat to get my shot? I want the big fights for the titles. I’ve fought a lot of world champions. I’m ready for the title.

“I definitely needed it and wanted to win the Garcia fight to prove some people wrong and show that I’m at a certain level. I’ve taken the hard road sometimes. I haven’t always had the time to train properly. I came in on short notice several times, on only 16 days’ notice for the Benavidez fight. For my last fight, that was the first time in a while that I’ve had a chance to fully prepare, and I think it showed in my performance.

“I know Hernandez had a good amateur career and he’s a good fighter overall. He seems like he knows what he’s doing and I expect him to be very motivated. I’m coming to do whatever I have to do."