Saturday’s unified Super Welterweight title defense doesn’t pit Julian Williams against a marquee name but Jeison Rosario is ambitious
Leading up to this Saturday’s homecoming bout for Philadelphia’s unified 154-pound champion Julian “J-Rock” Williams, him and his opponent Jeison Rosario have both expressed their respective lofty goals.
I’m not satisfied with just being the best Super Welterweight in the world. I’m just not satisfied with being unified champion of the world. – Julian Williams
Williams – the self-proclaimed “Landlord” at 154-pounds – intends to build off of his upset of former unified champion Jarrett Hurd by proving that he belongs to ranked among the best of boxing’s champions.
Rosario (19-1-1, 13 KOs) is confident he will stun and silence the pro-Williams Philadelphia crowd the same way Williams did DMV residents when he beat Hurd in Fairfax, Virginia last May.
Both Fighters Share Big Ambitions
Earlier this month on Fox Sports PBC Countdown: Julian Williams vs Jeison Rosario the challenger boldly revealed his prediction.
“History will repeat itself as Julian Williams did with Hurd. I am going to win. Julian is a great champion and I am grateful for the opportunity. But it’s my job to go in there and take the titles from him. I must and I will.”
“God’s timing is perfect, it’s the right time for this fight. I’m going for what’s mine. Jeison ‘Banana’—the new champion of the world.”
With their being some disappointment that the rematch with Hurd isn’t happening, knowing Rosario is coming to win helps to generate interest in the first PBC on Fox of 2020.
Unfortunately, Williams (27-1-1, 16 KOs) probably watches Fox Sports’ shoulder programming too. Either him or his longtime trainer Stephen Edwards.
Team Rock is Locked In
In a recent media workout Williams held in Philadelphia the champion spoke in detailed fashion regarding his mindset on this week – and all that’s possible.
I’ve got a little more notoriety now. To be honest, I stopped thinking about it because I want to stay focused on the task at hand. The task at hand is being pound-for-pound best in the world. I’m not satisfied with just being the best Super Welterweight in the world. I’m just not satisfied with being unified champion of the world. Why sell myself short when I have the drive and the ability to be the pound-for-pound best fighter in the world? I’d be selling myself short. I’d be leaving millions of dollars on the table.
In addition to his pursuit for P4P consideration, Williams acknowledged Rosario as a credible threat. No sense in looking too far ahead.
“Rosario brings ambition to the table. I think he’s an ambitious kid. I don’t think it’s a difficult fight (for me), to be quite honest. I just think it’s a matter of being focused and on top of my game, and I think I’ll take care of him. I don’t think it’s difficult, though. He’s a decent fighter. We’re not going to make him out to be Ray Robinson.
“He has put together a good string of wins, and he’s tough and he’s coming to win. So that’s more important than anything. He has the ambition to win, so you can’t underestimate him.”
The 29-year old also shared with the media that the environment that forged his initial hunger, presents him with daily reminders that keep him focused.
“Seeing all the stuff that I saw growing up (in West Philadelphia) made me hungry, made me want to get out and make a better life for myself. All you have to do is walk outside and go down Lancaster Ave. If that’s not motivating for you then nothing will.”
Fight Night in the City of Brotherly Love
Williams defends his IBF and WBA titles against Rosario Saturday night in the PBC on Fox Fight Night main event and on FOX Deportes from Temple University’s Liacouras Center.
Coverage begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and features undefeated rising star Chris “Prime Time” Colbert taking on former champion Jezreel Corrales for the Interim WBA Super Featherweight Title, and top Super Welterweight prospect Joey Spencer entering the ring to take on Erik Spring in a six-round showdown
Viewers can live stream the PBC shows on the Fox Sports and FOX NOW apps or at FoxSports.com. In addition, all programs are available on Fox Sports on SiriusXM channel 83 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app.
All photos by Darryl Cobb/TGB Promotions
