Julian Williams chose surgery over Rosario rematch
When it comes to former unified world junior middleweight champion Julian “J-Rock” Williams (27-2-1, 16 KO’s), many were surprised when he did not enact an immediate rematch clause earlier this year. On January 18, Williams took on and was upset by WBC and WBA super world junior middleweight champion Jeison “Banana” Rosario (20-1-1, 14 KO’s) in his first title defense.
Most thought that the hard-nosed Philly native would charge head first into a rematch. And initially that is what he said that he would do. However, after some contemplation, J-Rock decided that jumping right back in the ring might not be the smartest move.
DAMAGE REPORT
Throughout his career, Williams has established himself as a very capable fighter; he can box or bang as the situation warrants. Many of those instances would push J-Rock to show his grit. Accordingly, he also accumulated the type of battle damage that goes with it.
Among that damage was a notable amount of scar tissue that J-Rock felt was imperative to get under control immediately. Williams explained in a recent interview on Time Out with Ray Floreshow he thought it would be foolhardy to go directly into battle with some of his tools in less than stellar condition.
“I decided to go against the rematch clause because I needed to get surgery on my face because I had a lot of scar tissue under both eyes. And so instead of jumping right back in there […], I decided to go ahead and get the surgery. So that is what I decided to do.”
CHAMPIONSHIP MINDED
Yet just because Williams did not immediately rematch the Dominican, this does not mean that he is avoiding him. After giving up his first place in line for a shot at Banana’s belts, it now appears that Rosario and WBC world junior middleweight champion Jermell “Iron Man” Charlo (33-1, 17 KO’s) are closing in on a significant September unification bout.
So, not willing to sit idle, Williams is looking to get back into the ring as quickly as possible. Following the stay busy fight, J-Rock will look forward to facing the winner of Charlo v Rosario.
“I think I am going to take an interim fight and then I will be ready to fight the winner of […] Rosario and Jermell […] for the undisputed championship…I’m going to get the winner of that fight!”
Unfortunately for team Williams, they have been unsuccessful thus far in finding and selecting and opponent but he remains optimistic.
“Yeah because everything is so backed up with the coronavirus and they want to get people who haven’t fought this year and get them in first. Rightfully so, people have a right to make a living. I think I am going to fight before the year is out though.”
By: Bakari Simpson
