Jarret Hurd Responds to Criticism of New Fighting Style
The ability to adapt is very important for longevity in any sport, especially boxing. Every fighter, after a devastating defeat, goes through a transformation. Sometimes it’s physical, others are mental, but a change nonetheless takes place.
That’s exactly what was on display when former unified junior middleweight champion Jarrett “Swift” Hurd (24-1, 16ko) stepped in the ring for the first time since losing the belts to Julian “J-Rock” Williams back 2019.
A SUDDEN RISE TO A HARD FALL
The former unified champion was the kingpin of the division, capturing the vacant IBF title by defeating Tony Harrison. Following would be an impressive title defense against former champion Austin Trout, and then finally dethroning Erislandy Lara as the top dog of the division. These incredible feats made the Maryland pressure fighter into an instant star in the sport.
However, it all came crashing down on that fateful night on May 11, 2019 when underdog challenger Julian Williams brought the house down with a wrecking ball. This upset defeat not only stunned the boxing community, but it set off a domino effect.
Hurd would find himself feeling like a man alone on an Island, especially when things fell apart with long-time trainer Ernesto Rodriguez. Furthermore, with a rematch looming, the former unified champion was without a trainer and never fully recovered mentally from the defeat.
TIME FOR A CHANGE
It was at this point that the former world champion realized a change had to be made and that is when the transformation began. First cut off his signature blonde hair and posted it on Instagram, with a message to his fans saying “Chapter 2: A Fresh Start.”
Next, the aforementioned fighter linked up with trainer Kay Koroma. This would also lead to a change in fighting style as well. The new “Swift Hurd” was to be more of a boxer taking advantage of his height and reach, utilizing more of his tools in the tool shed to make him a more polished boxer.
CHANGE NOT ALWAYS GOOD
Hurd was victorious in his return bout against Francisco Santana on January 25 at the Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY. Although, fans weren’t over-excited about the new fighting style. It wasn’t what they were expecting to see from the former champion.
Following the post-fight press conference, Hurd was asked about the fans booing his fight.
“Listen, they could have booed until their throats were sore. I gotta do what I gotta do. At the end of the day, like I said, I know they love the “War Swift” but I gotta think about myself first.”
The former champion still showed the passion and his desire to become a world champion is still a top priority.
“Listen, I want the belts and I want the best. I was this close (putting fingers together) to becoming undisputed champion. It’s right around the corner for me. That’s what I want to become, undisputed. Whoever got the belts, that’s who I want to fight.”
By: Garrisson Bland
