IBF 154-Pound Title Eliminator – 12 Rounds
Julian Williams – 154 Pounds
Marcello Matano – 150 ½ Pounds

Middleweight Bout – 10 Rounds (WBO International Middleweight Title)
Antoine Douglas – 158 ¾ Pounds
Avtandil Khurtsidze – 160 Pounds

Middleweight Bout – 10 Rounds
Tony Harrison – 156 ¼ Pounds
Fernando Guerrero – 156 ½ Pounds

NON TELEVISED BOUTS
Ievgen Khytrov 159.3 – Kenneth McNeil 158.4
Joey Dawejko 242 – Ytalo Perea 250
Amir Shabazz 173. – Hakeem Atkinson 172.2
Chordale Booker 150.4 – Antonio Allen 150.6
Terrence Williams 161.5 – Anthony Miller 159.5

Here is what the fighters had to say Friday

JULIAN WILLIAMS:
“He obviously has a dream, and I have to respect his dream. It’s my job to break his dream.

“No one wanted to fight me. But this guy accepted it, he came here and he’s in my way.

“This is the biggest fight of my life. I win this and I fight for a title this year.

“People don’t want to see us dance around for 12 rounds. They want to see action.

“We opened camp on Nov. 9. We’ve been waiting for this fight and now it’s finally here.”

MARCELLO MATANO:
“My dream has always been to fight for the world title. Now, I’m almost there.

“People may not be familiar with me, but champions can be born everywhere.

“On paper, Williams is a better fighter, the favorite. But will he be able to translate his skills in the ring? That’s the question. I will be the more active fighter. I’ll push the action and frustrate him.”

ANTOINE DOUGLAS:
“We’re coming to win. With the work we put in, we’re ready for anyone. We prepare the same way

“I just plan to go out there and win. Any guy with two hands is dangerous. We just have to fight out fight.

“This guy is so aggressive it’s going to hurt him. We know he’s going to keep coming but we’re going to keep our hands in his face.

“I haven’t made it yet. I’m still hungry. I know I need to win this fight to move on to the next step, to get my shot at the title.”

AVTANDIL KHURTSIDZE:
“We’re going to be aggressive. Once he feels the power he’s going to change his game plan. Once we take his jab away it’s going to be difficult for him.

“This is a huge opportunity for me. I have to win. Losing isn’t an option.

“There’s never been a world champ from Georgia. If I win this fight, I’m that much closer to becoming that first champion.

“I sparred with Marcus Browne, (Ievgen) Khytrov, (Sergiy) Derevyanchenko. We had a great camp and now we’re ready to fight.”

“Mike Tyson is my favorite fighter. I model my style after him.”

TONY HARRISON:
“I don’t want to leave any questions. I don’t want to go 10 rounds with Fernando Guerrero

“I want to be back to where I was before I lost. To get back where I was, I have to win impressively. I think winning this fight gets me back to where I was.”

FERNANDO GUERRERO:
“I haven’t felt this good mentally and physically in a while. I’m more well-rounded now.

“This is my natural weight. When I was fighting at middleweight I was always the smaller fighter.

“Tony has some speed and he was a real good amateur, but I’m a veteran professional. I’m going to take him out of his comfort zone.”

Saturday, March 5

5:30 p.m. SANDS BETHLEHEM EVENTS CENTER DOORS OPEN
Location: 77 Sands Blvd.; Bethlehem, PA 18015

6:45 p.m. FIRST BOUT

10:00 p.m. SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION BROADCAST BEGINS

CREDENTIAL DISTRIBUTION
Fight night credentials can be picked up on Saturday, March 5 from 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. at the Backstage Entrance. Proper personal photo ID (Driver’s license or passport) is required for credential pick-up.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are priced at $108, $83 and $58, not including applicable service charges and taxes and are on sale now. Tickets are available HERE at www.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.sandseventcenter.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @JRockBoxing, @Action_Douglas, @IAmBoxing, @FernandoDomini, @TheSBEC and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports

BETHLEHEM, PA. (March 3, 2016) – Undefeated top contender Julian “J-Rock” Williams and Italy’s Marcello Matano went face-to-face for the first time Thursday at the final press conference before they meet with the IBF’s No. 1 spot at 154-pounds on the line this Saturday, March 5 live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/PT) from Sands Bethlehem Events Center in Bethlehem, Pa.

Saturday’s SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION® tripleheader features middleweight matchups between rising contender Antoine Douglas and Avtandil Khurtsidze and exciting Detroit prospect Tony Harrison against former title challenger Fernando Guerrero.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are priced at $108, $83 and $58, not including applicable service charges and taxes and are on sale now. Tickets are available HERE at www.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

Here is what the fighters had to say Thursday:

JULIAN WILLIAMS

“I want to thank Matano and his team for coming all the way over here. We’ve had a difficult time getting opponents for different reasons, but I’m excited to headline this stacked card.

“When I win this fight I’ll be able to accomplish my dream of being a world champion. It’s one step closer.

“I’m going to attack the head and body as much as I can. I’ve got enough film on him to see what he’s got. He’s pretty solid. He got better each time out. But those guys in Italy don’t have the skills that I have. I think he’s going to bring it for as long as he can handle it.

“He’s an awkward fighter. He’s definitely a boxer and he can be a little skittish in the ring. I know I’ve fought the better competition and I’ve trained my hardest for this.

“I’m ready to make a statement. I’m not worried about a knockout. However the win comes, it’s great. I’m just looking to win and beat him down.

“I’m expecting a good Philadelphia crowd to be out here supporting me. Ninety percent of my career I’ve been on the West Coast and other places. But now fighting in front of my hometown fans, there’s nothing better. It’s perfect.”

MARCELLO MATANO

“I feel very good. I’ve been here since Friday so I have gotten used to the time zone difference and I’m ready to fight. My American experience is just starting and I’m looking forward to it.

“It’s been a hard two months of training for this fight. This is by far the most important fight of my career so I’ve trained even harder than I usually do.

“I know that Julian Williams is a top-notch athlete and that he is coming to give his best, just like I am. It’s going to be an exciting fight because we both want to get to the top.

“I can adapt myself to any opponent. I can be a boxer or I can be a brawler. But in my heart, I am a warrior and I will come forward all fight. I am coming to leave that ring victorious.

“This is a dream come true to come here to the United States. I’ve always worked hard and it’s gotten me here. I will put all of my heart into the ring on Saturday night.”

ANTOINE DOUGLAS

“You can always look forward to an action-packed fight when I step into the ring. I have an admirable opponent who I know is coming to fight.

“I’ve grown into this role and into who I am. If you asked me earlier in my career, I would have never thought I’d be here. This is great and it comes from all the hard work I’ve put in over the years.

“You will see my growth Saturday night in the ring. I plan on being victorious. The work I put in won’t let me be any less than that. I’m looking forward to the action.

“I have a very strong opponent and I think it will make for a more exciting fight than Sam Soliman.

“I just always have to be prepared for whatever is thrown at me. This is boxing – there are no guarantees. We just have to be prepared for everything and do our best.

“The styles of Soliman and Khurtsidze are completely different, but we always base our offense and defense off a fighting at range and working the jab. I’m not going in blind – I’ve faced opponents who come forward. We’ll be ready for him and ready to make the adjustments in the ring.

“A win on Saturday will definitely put me in a position for a title shot. We just take it day-by-day. It’s not about looking at future opponents. We take each step successfully and see where it puts us.”

AVTANDIL KHURTSIDZE

“I’m very happy to be here and I’m grateful for the opportunity. I’m fighting a very strong fighter. Once I step into the ring I’m expecting a good challenge and I can’t wait for Saturday night.

“Everything in training went well. We’ve trained really hard and we’re ready for Saturday night.

“Douglas is a good fighter. He’s a good boxer and he has a good left hook. But none of that means anything until you get in the ring.

“Once I step into the ring, I will bring 100 percent. I am not going to stop swinging until Douglas goes down.”

FERNANDO GUERRERO

“We’re ready to fight. We had a great training camp and there’s not too much to say. It’s warrior time.

“I’ve been through my ups and downs, but I’m still here and I’m not going anywhere. This is for my whole nation, everyone in the Dominican Republic who is watching. You have to step in that ring for something.

“This isn’t a game. This is the only sport that you cannot play. I’m going to make this one of those fights that will be one of the best of the year. It will either be the best knockout or the best fight of the year. This is going to be memorable.

“This is the kind of opponent who will bring out the best of me. Everybody has to watch out for me. I’m coming to make a statement on Saturday.”

Friday, March 4

6:00 p.m. OFFICIAL WEIGH-IN – OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!
Location: Vision Bar (Located inside Sands Bethlehem Events Center)
77 Sands Blvd.; Bethlehem, PA 18015
5:00 p.m. – Media arrival
6:00 p.m. – Fighters to scales

Saturday, March 5

5:30 p.m. SANDS BETHLEHEM EVENTS CENTER DOORS OPEN
Location: 77 Sands Blvd.; Bethlehem, PA 18015

6:45 p.m. FIRST BOUT

10:00 p.m. SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION BROADCAST BEGINS

CREDENTIAL DISTRIBUTION
Fight night credentials can be picked up on Saturday, March 5 from 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. at the Backstage Entrance. Proper personal photo ID (Driver’s license or passport) is required for credential pick-up.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are priced at $108, $83 and $58, not including applicable service charges and taxes and are on sale now. Tickets are available HERE at www.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.sandseventcenter.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @JRockBoxing, @Action_Douglas, @IAmBoxing, @FernandoDomini, @TheSBEC and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports

Philadelphia, Pa. (March 2, 2016) – Julian “J-Rock” Williams (21-0-1, 13 KOs) held a media workout on Tuesday in Philadelphia at James Shuler Boxing Gym as he prepares to put his undefeated record on the line in a 154-pound world title eliminator this Saturday, March 5, live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).

The SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION® main event pits Williams against Italy’s Marcello Matano (16-1, 5 KOs) as part of a tripleheader live from Sands Bethlehem Events Center in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

Also featured on the telecast will be middleweight contender Antoine Douglas (19-0-1, 13 KOs) facing off against Avtandil Khurtsidze (31-2, 20 KOs) in a 10-round middleweight bout and exciting Detroit prospect Tony Harrison (22-1, 18 KOs) battling former title challenger Fernando Guerrero (28-3, 20 KOs) in a 10-round super welterweight matchup.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are priced at $100, $75 and $50, not including applicable service charges and taxes and are on sale now. Tickets are available HERE at www.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

Here is what Julian and his trainer, Stephen Edwards, had to say Tuesday:

JULIAN WILLIAMS

“I am extremely focused. There is a lot at stake this Saturday. I am finally in the position I wanted to be in since turning pro.

“I have come to a conclusion that if people don’t have to fight Julian Williams then they won’t. It hasn’t been that frustrating though because I always have a fight on the books. I can’t worry about the people who won’t fight me. I just have to stay ready and put myself in the mandatory spot. That’s what I am going to do on Saturday night.

“It’s never any challenge fighting at home. I know exactly what I have to do. I don’t cut any corners in camp. The biggest challenge is the waiting because I am so anxious to get in there and get a win, especially in front of my home crowd.

“I always knew I wanted to pursue a boxing career, so I treat it like I want it. I’ve been dreaming about this for a long time and my opportunity is finally here.

“I’ve been a student of the game since I started watching boxing. I want to learn and I want to know everything about boxing.

“It means everything to have my biggest fight to date in my backyard. I know my fans cheer loud and it feels great to have their support in my corner.

“I know everything about my opponent. I probably know what kind of toothpaste he used this morning. I searched high and low for videos of Matano. I am ready because I know he is ready.

“He is a little bit awkward. He seems to have a really good gas tank. He said he wants to take me the distance, so we’ll see.

“The last fight solidified the things that I already knew about myself. I know I am fundamentally sound and I know I am the hungriest fighter in the world.

“I always want to put on an explosive performance. It’s always about a win.

“In about nine months, Philadelphia will have it’s fourth IBF super welterweight champion after David Reid, Robert Hines and Buster Drayton.”

STEPHEN EDWARDS, Williams’ trainer

“We are ready. It’s been a long four-month camp. We thought were going to fight in January, so we’ve been grinding through this rough weather early in the morning. Julian is chomping at the bit and ready to rock ‘n roll.

“We thought we were going to fight Austin Trout in December, and he saw that Julian gave his opponent a concussion and said I don’t want to fight him. It’s just that simple. We have to get past Matano and then we can talk about (super welterweight champion Jermall) Charlo.

“Anybody with two hands and a heartbeat can fight. Matano is ranked and just because he isn’t well known, it doesn’t mean he can’t fight. He is 16-1 and they didn’t have a hard time convincing him to take the fight. The best soldiers are volunteers. Any time someone willingly comes to someone else’s country, you have to take him seriously.

“I don’t want to make a prediction, but Julian will hurt this guy very bad.”

Thursday, March 3

3:00 p.m. PRESS CONFERENCE -OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!
Location: Berks Meeting Room (Located inside Sands Bethlehem Events Center)
77 Sands Blvd.; Bethlehem, PA 18015
2:30 p.m. – Media arrival
3:00 p.m. – Press conference begins

Friday, March 4

6:00 p.m. OFFICIAL WEIGH-IN – OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!
Location: Vision Bar (Located inside Sands Bethlehem Events Center)
77 Sands Blvd.; Bethlehem, PA 18015
5:00 p.m. – Media arrival
6:00 p.m. – Fighters to scales

Saturday, March 5

5:30 p.m. SANDS BETHLEHEM EVENTS CENTER DOORS OPEN
Location: 77 Sands Blvd.; Bethlehem, PA 18015

6:45 p.m. FIRST BOUT

10:00 p.m. SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION BROADCAST BEGINS

CREDENTIAL DISTRIBUTION
Fight night credentials can be picked up on Saturday, March 5 from 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. at the Backstage Entrance. Proper personal photo ID (Driver’s license or passport) is required for credential pick-up.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are priced at $108, $83 and $58, not including applicable service charges and taxes and are on sale now. Tickets are available HERE at www.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.sandseventcenter.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @JRockBoxing, @Action_Douglas, @IAmBoxing, @FernandoDomini, @TheSBEC and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports

NEW YORK (Feb. 23, 2016) – Undefeated middleweight contender Antoine Douglas will face hard-hitting Avtandil Khurtsidze in the co-feature of SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION® on Saturday, March 5, live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/PT) from Sands Bethlehem Events Center in Bethlehem, Pa.

Khurtsidze (30-2-2, 20 KOs) steps in to face GH3 Promotions’ Douglas (19-0-1, 13 KOs) in a 10-round middleweight bout for the WBO International title after Sam Soliman pulled out of the fight last week with a knee injury.

Khurtsidze, of Brooklyn, N.Y. by way of Kutaisi, Georgia, has won eight straight – including six by knockout – since dropping a controversial decision to then-unbeaten Hassan N’Dam in a bout for the vacant interim WBA World Middleweight Title in Paris in 2010.

Khurtsidze was scheduled to face N’Dam in a rematch last November 21 in Paris, but the event was cancelled following the tragic November 13 terror attacks in France. The rematch with the former world champion was to be contested for the IBF No. 2 spot at 160 pounds.

A pressure fighter, Khurtsidze was also slated to fight last week on a DiBella Entertainment Broadway Boxing event and has been training since the fight with N’Dam was called off. The 36-year-old, who has also campaigned at super middleweight, is coming off a knockout victory over Melvin Betancourt last August.

“Avtandil is a world class guy, a former silver titlist and has been at the top of the division for years,” said Lou DiBella, President of DiBella Entertainment. “This is a great opportunity for him and a huge step up for Douglas. Avtandil had been on his way to France to fight for the No. 2 ranking against N’Dam when the tragic terrorist attacks hit Paris, which was a terribly unfortunate situation for all. Now, he looks to impress in this fight against the highly regarded Douglas. The winner of this bout moves up significantly in the middleweight world rankings and will be in line for a major fight in the 160-pound division later this year.”

In the main event of the SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION tripleheader, Julian “J-Rock” Williams and once-beaten Italian Marcello Matano will square off in a 12-round IBF eliminator for the No. 1 ranking at 154 pounds. In the opening bout of the telecast, hard-hitting prospect Tony Harrison will face veteran former world title challenger Fernando Guerrero in a 10-round super welterweight contest.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are priced at $100, $75 and $45, not including applicable service charges and taxes and are on sale now. Tickets are available HERE at www.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.sandseventcenter.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @JRockBoxing, @Action_Douglas, @IAmBoxing, @FernandoDomini, @TheSBEC and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports

NEW YORK (Feb. 10, 2016) – Undefeated super welterweight contender Julian “J-Rock” Williams and once-beaten Italian Marcello Matano will square off in a 12-round IBF eliminator for the No. 1 ranking at 154-pounds in the main event of SHOWTIME BOXING: SPECIAL EDITION on Saturday, March 5, live on SHOWTIME (10 p.m. ET/PT) from Sands Bethlehem Events Center in Bethlehem, Pa.

In the co-feature, fast-rising middleweight contender Antoine Douglas will take on former world champion Sam Soliman in a 10-round middleweight bout. In the opening bout of the telecast, hard-hitting prospect Tony Harrison will face veteran former world title challenger Fernando Guerrero in a 10-round super welterweight contest.

“This upcoming fight will be the biggest fight of my career,” Williams said. “I’m chomping at the bit to get back out there. I am taking my opponent very seriously and I refuse to let Marcello Matano stop me from being a world champion.”

“This is a dream come true,” said Matano. “I’ve been working for my whole life for a real opportunity to make to the top level and I will not let Julian Williams take it away. What will happen when Williams has to go to the championship rounds? Will he be ready? I know for sure that I will. This is the opportunity of a lifetime and I will do all I can to grab it.”

“Facing a former world champion like Sam Soliman is a great opportunity for me,” Douglas said. “The plan has always been to keep moving forward, and to do it successfully. This is that next step, and I’m ready for it. I’ve grown and learned so much fighting on ShoBox and it’s a beautiful thing to continue to progress and move to the next level.”

“This is an important fight for me,” said Soliman. “I had three opportunities on the table and I chose Douglas believing it to be a better fight for ranking, and it’s a challenge I’m excited to take on. From what I have seen, Douglas is a very talented fighter, which will make for a good fight. I am in great shape and looking forward to fight night.”

“I’m excited and eager to showcase my abilities to the world again,” said Harrison. “I’d advise fans to arrive early because I don’t plan to be in the ring long. I’m knocking this guy out. I know Guerrero is coming in with a chip on his shoulder and I can’t overlook him. I brought my uncle into camp and I think that’s going to give me the edge that I’ve needed to get over the hump. I’m putting the whole division on notice!”

“It’s warrior time,” said Guerrero. “We are going to have a war. This is going to be non-stop action. This fight will lead to big things for me. I’m used to fighting guys that are bigger than I am. I’m at my more natural weight and I’m looking to do great things in this division.”

“I’m thrilled to promote this great show on March 5,” said Marshall Kauffman of King’s Promotions. “This is a great card from top to bottom with some future champions looking to show the world that they are ready for the next level. I am honored to have Julian Williams headline this card. He put on an explosive performance in his last bout at the Sands and I am sure he will be looking to do the same on March 5.”

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are priced at $100, $75 and $45, not including applicable service charges and taxes and are on sale now. Tickets are available HERE at www.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

One of the most promising and highly regarded young stars in boxing, Williams (21-0-1, 1 ND, 13 KOs) will headline for the first time on SHOWTIME. He’s stepping up after honing his skills and steadily ascending the ranks after five fights on SHO EXTREME. The 25-year-old shut out longtime contender Joey Hernandez last April, followed that with a sixth-round stoppage of Arman Ovsepyan in June and closed the year by stopping Orlando Lora in the first round in September. The Philadelphian has also picked up victories over Joachim Alcine, Eliezer Gonzalez and Freddy Hernandez in his young career and looks to earn his first title shot with a win on March 5.

Matano (16-1, 5 KOs) is a former Italian super welterweight titlist. He’s registered four consecutive wins since the only loss of his career, including victories in three scheduled 12-round fights. The 29-year-old is coming off a 12-round unanimous decision over fellow-Italian Nick Klappert in October 2015. Like Williams, he fought three bouts in 2015, although he logged 31 total rounds compared to just 17 for Williams.

Douglas (19-0-1, 13 KOs) has been impressive in five consecutive victories since he boxed to a draw when he was just 21 years old with former world title challenger Michel Soro in July 2014. The former top amateur has won his last three fights by knockout, including a sixth-round KO of previously undefeated Thomas LaManna and a fourth-round TKO of veteran Les Sherrington last November in his fifth appearance on ShoBox: The New Generation. On the prospect developmental series, the 23-year-old Douglas has graduated from unproven prospect to undefeated contender and is now ranked No. 4 in the WBO and No. 6 in the WBA. Douglas is promoted by GH3 promotions.

Soliman (44-13, 1 NC, 18 KOs), of Melbourne, Australia, is vastly more experienced than Douglas, having competed in four world championship fights. The 42-year-old held the IBF Middleweight World title before suffering a debilitating knee injury and losing via decision to Jermain Taylor in his first title defense in October 2014. Soliman, who is 9-2-1 since 2008, won the IBF crown with a decisive 12-round decision over Felix Sturm in 2014. The Australian, who fights at a relentless pace and can be awkward at times, will look to bounce back from a close, 10-round split decision loss to Dominic Wade last June on ShoBox.

At just 25-years-old, Harrison (22-1, 18 KOs) has showed tremendous promise as he recorded a 10-fight knockout streak from 2013 to 2015 and proved he could recover from a loss when he dominated Cecil McCalla for 10-rounds in October. The Detroit-native will look to make it back-to-back victories as he continues his ascent towards championship contender status. He has picked up knockout victories over Antwone Smith, Tyrone Brunson, Bronco McKart and Pablo Munguia in the last two years.

A former world title challenger, Guerrero (28-3, 20 KOs) returned to his winning ways in 2015 with victories over Abraham Han and Daniel Souza Santos. The 29-year-old lives and trains out of Los Angeles but grew up in Maryland after being born in the Dominican Republic. The veteran owns victories over Ishe Smith, Derrick Findley and Gabriel Rosado in a pro career that dates back to 2007.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/Sports and www.sandseventcenter.com, follow on Twitter @SHOSports, @JRockBoxing, @Action_Douglas, @IAmBoxing, @FernandoDomini, @TheSBEC and @Swanson_Comm or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SHOSports

Philadelphia , PA (December 1, 2015)–Undefeated Jr. Middleweight, Julian “J Rock” Williams has laid down the gauntlet to all boxers around the world as he wants to be the first professional boxer to be tested by BOTH USADA & VADA randomly throughout the year.

Williams (21-0-1, 13 KO’s), is currently ranked number-7 by the WBC, Number-10 by the WBA, & Number-6 by the IBF, wants to prove to the world that there would be no doubt left in anyone’s mind as he continues his quest to become world champion.

The 25 year-old native of Philadelphia has climbed up the latter and has become a fan favorite throughout the world for his fan-friendly style in which he possesses terrific skills which has earned him the moniker of “Mr Do it All”

Below, Williams outlines his vision of how and why random testing is needed at the championship level

VADA vs USADA View
“I want to be known as the 1st boxer to actively participate in 365/24/7 Olympic Style Testing with two different agencies. USADA and VADA. I don’t know if I will be the best boxer of this era, that remains to be seen. But what I will prove, is that accomplishments are 100% legit. I want to be the pioneer in this. I’m presently seeking sponsors to help me. I’m not a millionaire yet, so money is an issue but I am working to get to the point where I can test continuously no matter if I have a fight scheduled or not. This will be very easy for me because I am 100% clean all the time. Not some of the time. I don’t indulge in drinking or smoking either. I don’t think it’s realistic to test every single fighter in the world. But I do think once you get ranked and/or a champion then we should be in a random testing pool. If I am able to get this done I will welcome any future opponent to participate with me. If my opponent refuses then the fans and media can draw a fair reference and conclusion.”

Last Fight
“I actually had an injury my last fight that I don’t talk about. I’ve never pulled out of a fight because of an injury and I wasn’t going to blow my opportunity to headline PBC near my hometown. So I made my mind up that I was going to blow right through my opponent. People don’t realize I had 4 first round KO’s to start my career, so I can fight like that if I choose. My trainer told me that the other fights went the distance so my fight may not be shown in it’s entirety. I kept telling him I was going to get a 1st round stoppage. So that gave me extra incentive to come through in the clutch. Cuello was a solid fighter but I knew he was in trouble from the 1st few seconds. He didn’t have the reflexes or strength to deal with me.”

Future Opponents, Post Fight Interview
“I’m not as quiet as some people think. I’m not shy either. I just don’t over talk because I will lose my edge. Close to a fight I’m in a very bad mood and I can’t lose my edge. So I don’t talk much. But I was in the zone after my fight.I had just scored a big victory in front of my folks. I love Philadelphia, I was born and raised here. But I’m specifically from West Philly and we have never had a world champion. The best fighters in Philly are usually from North Philly or South Philly. Tyrell Biggs is a mentor of mine, he’s from West Philly but he didn’t win the title. Danny Garcia and Bernard Hopkins are from North Philly…When the ref stopped the fight I was in the zone and I saw a bunch of West Phily in he house…… But honestly I knew I was going to smoke him early. My trainer had been telling me I give guys breaks sometimes by picking them apart technically. So after the ref stopped the fight I let everyone know what was up.”

“Austin Trout a potential opponent of mine who was working as a broadcaster. So I walked over and let him know what was up. Then doing my interview I let everyone know that I would go to Houston to fight Jermall Charlo for his title. But honestly I did that because my trainer was asked would I take fights with either guy. I don’t get into who I fight because I don’t care. I let him handle that. But he told me he was asked, so I just became vocal about it. But I’m not speaking on that anymore. It’s getting old and I don’t care anymore if I fight either guy. I have learned that boxing is a business. I was a little frustrated that I didn’t get either fight but I’ve learned acceptance and I have moved on. I want to concentrate on who is willing to fight and my next date. I wish those guys the best of luck and continued success.”

Next Date
“I thought I would fight 4 times in 2015 but honestly it doesn’t look that way. I definitely wanted to get 4 in because it keeps you sharp. Each fight I had this year I was sharper and sharper. Plus fighting often keeps you close to weight which is important. I was just told that I would go in January. So I just finished a two week mini camp just to work on strength. I’m in the heat of camp now with a return date of January 16th or Jan 23rd. I will be fighting the #1 spot in the IBF to become the mandatory contender to fight for that title. At the end of the day I was never given anything in boxing. I can’t get a champion to voluntarily defend against me. So by becoming a mandatory, I’m forcing a title shot and I plan on taking full advantage of it.”

Bethlehem, PA (September 22, 2015) – The main event of Premier Boxing Champions on FS1 and FOX Deportes showcased Julian Williams (21-0-1, 13 KOs) as he knocked out Luciano Cuello (35-4, 17 KOs) in the very first round of their contest. At the one minute 33-second mark of the first round Williams proved too much for Cuello.

The opening televised bout featured Mexico’s Moises Flores (24-0, 17 KOs) in an action-packed brawl against Argentina’s Luis Cusolito (21-2, 19 KOs). During a battle that allowed both fighters to appear in control at times, Flores managed to withstand 11 rounds of damage and sealed the deal with a 12th round knockout over Cusolito.

Caleb Plant (10-0, 8 KOs) went the distance in the second televised bout and secured a unanimous decision (80-71, 79-72, 80-71) victory over Jamar Freeman (13-5-2, 7 KOs).

Here is what the televised fighters had to say about their performances:

JULIAN WILLIAMS

“I may be the fastest super welterweight in the world, and I’m accurate enough to hit guys when I want to.

“I knew I was getting to him early and I just stayed vicious. It was a straight right that I landed on him to end things. I saw his left eye bubble up immediately.

“I’ve fought undefeated prospects and former champions. I’ll fight anybody. I don’t hate (Austin) Trout at all. He’s just higher ranked than me and one of the guys in my way.”

LUCIANO CUELLO

“It was a right to the head that ended things. I felt my eye closing up. I felt like I might have been able to continue, but my balance was a little thrown off after he landed the right to my left eye.

“I disagreed with the stoppage when I was in the moment, but I’ll go back and watch the fight to take another look at it.

“I’ve fought some great fighters in my career, and Williams is as strong as any of them.

MOISES FLORES

“I won this fight because of how I prepared. This was all about my preparation and dedication in the gym. I left my home in Mexico and went to Miami for 10 weeks to train for this fight. We didn’t do exactly what we planned, but my conditioning helped me get through this battle tonight.

“I’m very happy to get this interim title, but I want a shot at Leo Santa Cruz next. I’ll go up to 126 pounds to make that happen if he wants.

“This was a huge jump for me being on a PBC card and fighting on FS1 and FOX Deportes. Great fighters get this honor and it feels wonderful to be a part of a card like this.”

EMANUEL CUSOLITO

“I hurt my hand in the second round.

“He is a very strong champion. I was fighting hard but the ref thought I had taken too many punches. I could have continued. He is a great champion though. I want to come back and show my skills and heart to my fans from Argentina.

“I thought in several rounds, I was going to knock him out, but maybe I was over confident. He has a great chin.”

CALEB PLANT

“I was relaxed and composed in there tonight. I had him hurt so I pressed him more, but he’s a tough fighter.

“I dropped him in the third with a left hook, and so I used that as a opportunity to pursue him more, but he hung tough.

“This is a blessing to be a part of what Al (Haymon) is doing for boxing. Brining it back to free TV is huge. To be involved in something like this so early in my career helps me get great exposure.”

JAMAR FREEMAN

“”I couldn’t find my rhythm. I got to him a few times but I didn’t let my hands go.

“I am a natural 154 pound fighter, so he was able to walk me down and walk right through my punches. His power did not get to me at all though.

“Caleb is a good fighter. He can go a long way as long as he stays focused. He has real good timing.”

# # #

For more information visit www.premierboxingchampions.com, www.sandseventcenter.com and http://www.foxsports.com/presspass/homepage. Follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing, @JRockBoxing, @PrincipeCuello, @FS1, @FOXDeportes, @TheSBEC and @Swanson_Comm and become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions, www.facebook.com/foxdeportes and www.Facebook.com/theSBEC. Fight highlights available at www.youtube.com/premierboxingchampions.

Bethlehem, PA (September 22, 2015) – Tonight junior middleweight rising star Julian “J Rock” Williams (20-0-1, 12 KO’s) will risk his undefeated record when he takes on rugged Argentinian Luciano Cuello (35-3, 17 KO’s) in a scheduled 10-round bout that will headline Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) TOE-TO-TOE TUESDAYS fight card that will be televised by FS1 and FOX Deportes at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by King’s Promotions, are priced at $100, $75 and $45, not including applicable service charges and taxes and are on sale now. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com. To charge by phone call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

Williams, of Philadelphia, has established himself as one of the top contenders in the junior middleweights division, but he first must get by the tough, experienced Cuello, who has only lost to top contender Willie Nelson as well as former world champions Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and Saul Alvarez.

With a win, Williams would not only put himself in select company of conquerors of Cuello but he would be elevated into major fights in the latter part of 2015 or early 2016.

“Training camp went great,” said Williams. “I had a long 9 week camp. I am in great condition as usual and ready to get in there.

“Cuello is a tough guy. He is a real fighter that will come to other guy’s countries and hometowns and put up tough fights.”

Besides his great talent, Williams has been lauded for the way he conducts himself both in and out of the ring. Despite fighting close to home and on national television, 25 year-old Williams won’t be fazed.

“I really don’t think about being close to home or even that the fight is on television. It is an honor, but I am not going to let fighting close to home distract me.”

For the past several months, Williams and former junior middleweight world champion Austin Trout have engaged in a feud on social media and with a win on Tuesday night, they could be headed for a showdown in their next bouts.

“I will address the stuff with Trout after I win on September 22nd. I am close to getting a big opportunity and a shot at the title. I am ready now.”

“I just want the fans to tune into FS1 or come out to the Sands and enjoy the ‘J- Rock’ experience.”