Julian Williams has options for a late 2019 return!
Unfortunately, it has recently become common knowledge that Jarrett “Swift” Hurd (23-1, 16 KO’s) unexpectedly pulled out of his immediate rematch with Julian “J-Rock” Williams (27-1-1, 16 KO’s).
On May 11, the two engaged in an unforgettable bout which is still a leading candidate for Fight of the Year. Not only did this announcement come as a serious bummer for boxing fans, it put Williams in a serious lurch.
MONKEY WRENCH THROWN
The newly-crowned WBA, IBF and IBO super welterweight champion was hoping to defend his belts for the first time in December. Now, it’s going to be a very dubious proposition to sign a fight prior to 2020. There is an obvious hurdle presented by the fact we’re already in September.
The advanced stage in date is further complicated by Team Williams’ insistence that their opponents sign up for VADA testing.
Not only must their professional adversaries enroll in the program, they must complete no less than 9o consecutive days of monitoring. If the opposing party is unable, or unwilling, to submit to this requirement then there will be no fight.
While admirable, this unique stipulation will make it near impossible to contract a bout for the month of December.
Yet, if we keep our fingers crossed and wish on a twinkling star, maybe J-Rock will slide back in the ring this year. Sticking with this optimistic and hypothetical line of thinking, who is realistically available for Julian Williams to mix-it up with?
“SPECIAL K” ANYONE?
Right there in his own super welterweight division, there is Kell “Special K” Brook. Granted, Brook is not the prime time commodity that he once was. However, he still has a recognizable name, he is a #3 WBC, #3 WBA, #5 WBO and #1o Ring ranked fighter.
Not to mention he was just recently in the states sniffing around for a fight with Terence “Bud” Crawford. So, there should not be an issue with availability. When talking about slapping a fight together last minute, one could go a lot worse than the “Special One” Kell Brook.
KNUCKLE UP IN THE UK?
Also right in his division is the UK borne Liam Smith. Smith is coming off a crowd-pleasing TKO victory over Mario Alberto Lozano.
Although, this would be a head-spinning turn around for Smith being that the Lozano bout took place on August 24. However, perhaps the opportunity to claim Williams’ three titles could lure Smith to the ring. Smith is rated #18 by the WBC and #6 by the WBO.
A bout with the UK fighter could also serve as Julian Williams’ first foray into the international market. A few months back, Williams coach, Stephen “Breadman” Edwards revealed his dream to establish Williams as a future pay-per-view star.
If Team Williams were willing to take their show on the road, they could establish a rapport with the notoriously receptive UK boxing market.
Outside of two fights in Canada, all of J-Rock’s 29 bouts have been staged in the States. If Williams took on Smith in the UK, and won in thrilling fashion, he would greatly benefit himself in any future transactions at the negotiating table.
MASH-UP AT MIDDLEWIEGHT?
Like many fighters do, earlier this year J-Rock found himself playing the “Canelo Lottery” by calling the red-head out. While it’s quite unlikely that Alvarez would entertain a fight with Williams right now, that doesn’t rule out all middleweights. If he was willing to dance with Canelo, why not Daniel Jacobs?
With a fight against Jacobs, the gritty Philly native can test the waters at middleweight with a skilled, hard-hitting and very respectable name. Also, he would not have to put his belts on the line.
Jacobs has resided in something of a career limbo since his may 4 loss to the aforementioned Saul “Canelo” Alvarez. Many fight fans were underwhelmed with his effort against the Mexican icon. The general feeling is that he could have done considerably more, yet opted to play it overly safe.
A win for Jacobs would earn him a great deal of much needed credibility. A win for Williams would prove that he is a two-divisional threat and possibly draft him into the Canelo Sweepstakes.
In either event, a Williams versus Jacobs fight would be big, action packed fun.
In the end, we’ll just have to wait and see what comes available for Julian Williams. Just rest assured that 3kingsboxing will be here to report the latest developments.
By: Bakari Simpson
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