Williams v Rosario: First Official Presser
At Philadelphia’s Temple University WBA, IBF and IBO world super welterweight champion Julian “J-Rock” Williams (27-1-1, 16 KO’s) and Jeison “Banana” Rosario (19-1-1, 13 KO’s) kicked off an extremely respectful premiere presser. Gracious and colorful commentator Ray Flores would host the two pugilists. In turn, each displayed supreme confidence in themselves while sounding like true fans of the other.
The January 18 bout will stand as the first official defense of Williams trio of belts. In what is still a strong 2018 candidate for fight of the year, Williams initially seized Jarrett “Swift” Hurd’s (23-1, 16 KO’s) ternary of titles. Over twelves rounds of bone-crunching action, Julian Williams outworked and out-brutalized Hurd with savage skill and successful intent.
THE FIGHT NOT TO BE
Rosario is not first dance partner Team Williams was looking to. They initially were of mind to face Jarrett Hurd in an immediate rematch. That was the first game plan anyway. However, yet mysterious reasons, Swift surrendered his shot at his belts and dissolved the fight. Not wanting to remain idle, and unwilling to duck a tough fight, Williams opted to face the potentially hazardous Rosario.
Like Williams, Rosario has one loss and draw on his record. Also like Williams, Banana does not hold his head low about it. Since his sole defeat at the hands of Nathaniel Gallimore back on April 29, 2017, Rosario has claimed seven wins and one draw. Four of the wins have come by way of knockout.
Now, Rosario finds himself in the identical position that Williams stood just a mere four months ago. In one fell swoop, the Dominican Republic native can become a unified champion while simultaneously storming onto the main stage of the super welterweight division. However, separating J-Rock from his belts utilizing clever violence will be no easy task.
ICY EYES WITH WARM SMILES
From the beginning to the end, the entirety of the presser saw the American and South American lavishing the other with praise. From the stand point of craft and grittiness, in true Mortal Kombat fashion, they realize that this is a clear-cut mirror match.
Both men are skilled, well learned in the art of pain distribution and each are willing to absorb the beating of a smart mouth Mississippi slave. Once un-collared within the ropes, J-Rock and Banana are almost guaranteed to supply a vicious dog fight. The premiere media event was the fighter’s first opportunity to publicly express this mutual acknowledgement in the flesh.
Following suit with their charges, the two trainers, Stephen Edwards and Luiz Perez, gave glowing evaluation of their upcoming foe. Yet, both made a point to emphasize that it’d be their fighter victorious in the end.
3kingsboxing will continue to cover this meaningful and promising upcoming prizefight.
By: Bakari Simpson
