Jarrett Hurd, Julian Williams Exchange Words Ahead Of Title-Fight

Unified 154-pound champion Jarrett Hurd puts his title on the line this Saturday night vs. top contender Julian Williams from the EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia.

The bout serves as the main event live on FOX under the Premier Boxing Champions banner. Action starts at 8 p.m. ET.

Hurd will be competing near his hometown and expects the crowd to be heavily in his favor for the fight.

“My confidence level is sky high,” said Hurd, a Maryland-native who will be defending his title in his home region for the first time since becoming a world champion. “I want to make it one-sided all the way through. I have a different game plan for each fight. You never know what style I’ll bring out.”

Williams, meanwhile, isn’t concerned with that. He believes in his skills to become the new champion.

“My confidence doesn’t come from his vulnerability,” said Philadelphia’s Williams. “My confidence comes from my own ability and what I know I can do in a boxing ring. He’s been able to overcome any vulnerabilities he has, but he hasn’t faced me yet and hasn’t overcome what I bring to the table.”

In April 2018, Hurd unified 154-pound titles by defeating WBA titlist Erislandy Lara in a thrilling contest that saw Hurd drop Lara in the final round to edge the decision on the scorecards. It was the consensus 2018 Fight of the Year, including recognition from the BWAA, ESPN, Sporting News and more.

“I don’t want this fight to be close,” said Hurd. “I’m trying to get the recognition that I work hard for. I think I have a better resume than guys at the top of the pound-for-pound list. I’m going to come out and prove it Saturday night and make a statement on FOX.”

The 29-year-old Williams is riding a four-fight winning streak since losing his first shot at the 154-pound title in 2016 against Jermall Charlo. With strong wins over Ishe Smith and Nathaniel Gallimore included in that streak, Williams can culminate his climb back to the top on Saturday.

“A lot of fighters say they had a good training camp, but this has really been the best camp of my life,” said Williams. “I did some different things and I added some difference pieces. We’re prepared for a really good fight and we’re prepared to win.”