At 22-0 in his career, with 15 knockouts and the unified light middleweight championship to his credit, Jarrett Hurd has already accomplished quite a bit.
But now, the Maryland native gets the chance to shine on the big stage as the co-main event Saturday night to Deontay Wilder-Tyson Fury on pay-per-view.
Hurd puts his unbeaten record and title on the line against Jason Welborn from the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
“Everything that my team and I have spoken about has come to pass. I’m here as the co-main of a massive card and I’m just really appreciative of everyone who believed in me and helped push me to this moment,” he said during a recent press conference. “Saturday night I want to show my versatility. Everyone has seen that I’m electrifying. I bring the action. But I want to show that I am swift and I do have defense. I know how to use my height and range. I’m still going to bring the action on Saturday, so you have to make sure to tune-in.
Earlier this year, Hurd retained his IBF belt with a split decision victory over Erislandy Lara. In the process, he also obtained the WBA and IBO titles, making him the unified champion of the division.
Along with the win over Lara, Hurd has also scored victories vs. Austin Trout, Tony Harrison and Jo Jo Dan during the last two years.
“We don’t think of Welborn as a tune-up fight. Jason Welborn is a British champion for a reason. We just want to go out there and establish the game plan we worked on in camp,” Hurd said. “I want to show my defensive side and show that I can box and move. I want to show that I don’t have to just keep coming forward. I’m going to be able to do that and start to break him down and get him out of there.
“Everybody sees my demeanor, and they know that I carry that to the ring. My composure is my biggest attribute. No matter what anyone says, I’m always going to be me.”
Hurd also made sure to state he wants Jermell Charlo next, stating “I’m number one in the division and things are going to play out how I want them. We’ve had three tough camps training for southpaws. When I eventually fight (WBC champion) Jermell Charlo, I’m going to be ready because of all the work on my versatility and defense. I’ll be ready for Jermell Charlo.”