If not Julian Williams, who’s next for Jeison Rosario?
When Julian “J-Rock” Williams (27-2-1, 16 KO’s) defeated Jarrett “Swift” Hurd (20-1-1, 14 KO’s) in their thrilling 2019 shootout, it was thought that a quick rematch would follow.
That was the sentiment that Hurd gave and Team Williams was down for all the smoke. However, before they could mix it up in the ring for a second time, Hurd drop his long time trainer Ernesto Rodriguez and walked away from the crucial do-over.
Now, in the aftermath of his own crushing loss to Jeison “Banana” Rosario (20-1-1, 14 KO’s), it’s Williams who is vowing to stage an immediate rematch.
At the moment, there is no reason to indicate this won’t happen. However, if for whatever reason J-Rock could not, or will not, be Rosario’s next opponent, who could potentially provide that dance partner?
IF NOT WILLIAMS, IT’S MANDATORY TIME!
Now that Rosario is a three-belt carrying champion, he has a humongous target on his back. Similar to the #1 headband in Afro Samurai, super welterweights from all over the globe will come looking to violently lift those titles off Banana’s hands.
But the question is, “who is on Team Rosario’s radar if it’s not Williams they face next?”
In a curt interview conducted by SecondsOut, Rosario’s promoter, Sampson Lewkowicz, provided a solid glimpse into what might transpire next if Williams opts to not exercise his rematch clause.
Some might speculate that WBC world super welterweight champion Jermell “Iron Man” Charlo (33-1, 17 KO’s) would be a logical selection. Although, that doesn’t seem to be the case.
“No Charlo. He needs to win a couple of fights, as well as him [points to Rosario] and then you have a pay-per-view. Very simple! Not because he is afraid, but first of all we need to take care of the mandatory with the IBF!
“This Russian kid, [Bakhram] Murtazaliev because he went through the [unintelligible] process and he got it.
“I am a promoter that respects the sanctioning bodies and I respect the people first before I get the respect of others. So the mandatory is the most important.”
Regardless of whether Rosario tangles with Williams or Murtazaliev, 3kingsboxing will be on hand to report all the latest and pertinent updates!
By: Bakari Simpson
