Underdog Julian Williams knocks Jarrett Hurd down, wins world titles

Dreams don’t die easy.

When Julian "J-Rock"Williams was brutally knocked out by Jemall Charlo two and half years ago, many boxing analysts wrote him off. He’d never recover from that knockout, they said, but this was one rock that wouldn’t break.

Williams was 26. He rebuilt his career with victories over Joshua Conley, Ishe Smith, Nathanial Gallimore and Francisco Javier Castro. All good, but when he entered the ring last night against WBA/IBF and IBO super welterweight champion Jarrett Hurd, Williams was expected to lose.

Not this time. Williams (27-1-1, 16 KOs) outworked and outpunched local hero Hurd to win the fight by unanimous decision at the Eagle Bank Arena in Fairfax, VA. His jab was on point most of the night, as well as his impressive inside work.

In round two, a short left hook floored Hurd for the first time in his career. As expected, Hurd, loaded with moxie, battled back, but Williams wasn’t to be denied. He boxed more in the later rounds and controlled the distance. He was one step ahead of Hurd (23-1, 16 KOs) all night night.

Scores were 115-112 (twice) and 116-111.

“I am just overwhelmed,” said Williams. “This is such a great feeling. I outclassed him. I am one of the best fighters in the world. Maybe I wasn’t ready for the title the first time I got the shot. I took the loss. I took it like a man and the whole world doubted me. I went into this fight a five to one underdog. This is a dream come true. The only people that believed in me were my team,

but all I can say is ‘and the new!"

Hurd made no excuses, “I wasn’t able to get off. I can’t really call it right now. I have to go back and watch. I was loading up on my shots instead of just letting my hands go. J-Rock was just the better man tonight. There’s definitely a rematch clause in our contract and I’m going to go for it.”