Julian ‘J-Rock’ Williams will be making the maiden defence of the unified light-middleweight championship against Jelson Rosario in front of what will certainly be a supportive hometown crowd at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Philadelphia native Williams produced a minor upset in April 2019 – soundly outpointing previously undefeated IBF and WBA champion Jarrett ‘Swift’ Hurd in April and relieving him of his belts in the process.
The victory over Hurd marked the apex point of Williams’ career so far, after being spectacularly stopped by Jermall Charlo in the fifth round of their December 2016 showdown.
Williams dominated throughout the early rounds with his superior inside-fighting skills and slick movement, dropping Hurd in the second round and appeared to be largely in control from that point onwards.
Although Hurd was able to fire back sporadically, he was not able to sustain any meaningful offensive work against Williams, who finished strongly to secure victory in the biggest fight of his career.
The Dominican Rosario faces a tall order against ‘J-Rock’, having never previously gone the championship distance as a professional. Expect a similarly comfortable victory for Williams against the once-defeated Rosario, as the Philadephian advances onto a potential unification bout with Jermell Charlo later this year.
Preview by: Navi Singh
Follow Navi on Twitter at: @DarkMan________