Julian Williams: After I Win, I'll Send a Message To Jermall Charlo

By Francisco Salazar

Julian Williams does not like to be given things. He wants to earn them.

So far, Williams has earned everything based on the hard work he has put in: a top-10 ranking by three of boxing's sanctioning bodies, an unbeaten record, and respect from many boxing fans.

Williams has his eyes set on a world title fight in 2016, but still has to get through an opponent tonight. And himself.

Williams will fight Marcello Matano tonight at the Sands Casino Resort in Bethlehem, Penn. The 12 round bout will top a three-bout broadcast that will air on Showtime, beginning at 10 p.m. ET/ 7 p.m. PT.

2015 saw Williams transition from prospect to contender. The fighter from Philadelphia was impressive in defeating very modest opposition, whether it was displaying his power or his improving skill-set.

Williams was impressive in his last bout on September 22, when he stopped normally-durable Luciano Cuello in the first round. The bout took place in the same venue as tonight's card.

Tonight, he faces a fighter in Matano, who is a virtual unknown to boxing fans in the United States. Matano (16-1, 5 KOs) has won his last four bouts in a row and is ranked number six by the IBF.

"Matano is a scrappy fighter," Williams told BoxingScene.com in a recent interview. "All fighters present challenges. He could have improved on what I saw on tape."

Williams will be fighting about an hour's drive from his hometown of Philadelphia. With tonight's fight being an IBF eliminator, the stakes are high and Williams can count on plenty of crowd support from his family and friends.

While the pressure and bright lights may throw off many fighters, including those who are young, Williams relishes it.

"I have to stay focused," said Williams, who is trained by Stephen Edwards. "But actually it's easier. I'm prideful and I don't want to look bad in front of my people."

Williams is a prideful 25-year-old, as evident when one reads his social media accounts. Williams interacts with boxing fans and gets into heated rhetorics with others fighters.

Austin Trout was one fighter who felt Williams' wrath and vice-versa. Williams has even been vocal about Jermell and Jermall Charlo, whom he has offered to travel to their hometown of Houston to fight either fighter.

Some see the Charlo brothers may have benefited from favoritism in their pursuit of world title belts, all the while Williams has been patiently knocking on the door. It may be difficult for Williams to break down certain barriers, but he is confident he will receive his opportunity.

"People make the (Charlo) twins out to be one person. I would fight Jermell, but I didn't call him out. I called out Jermall, who is the IBF champion and that's why I'm fighting in the IBF eliminator. Jermell is a contender just like myself. Maybe he would want to get revenge after I fight his brother. I don't know, but I called out Jermall."

"It's not frustrating, but I don't want to get into that right now. Let me take care of Matano and then I will send a message to Jermall Charlo."

Williams could make a big statement tonight at the expense of Matano. Even if he scores a win, Williams will do whatever it takes to get better.

It is not in his nature to just be good or be content to win. Williams wants to impress, but for that to happen, he has to get better with each fight. It seems like it is something Williams carries in his head all the time, and if he doesn't, Edwards is quick to remind him.

"You would have to ask my trainer that, but I think I have things to work on. You can always improve."

Francisco A. Salazar has written for BoxingScene.com since September of 2012 and has covered boxing in Southern California and abroad since 2000. Francisco also covers boxing for the Ventura County (CA) Star newspaper, RingTV, and Knockout Nation. He can be reached by email at santio89@yahoo.com or on Twitter at FSalazarBoxing