BETHLEHEM, PA. - Julian Williams secured the IBF's No. 1 position at 154 pounds and called out Junior Middleweight World Champion Jermall Charlo after an impressive seventh-round TKO of Italian Marcello Matano Saturday on SHOWTIME from Sands Bethlehem Events Center in Bethlehem, Pa.
The undefeated Philadelphia native put on a clinic, breaking down his opponent from the opening bell until referee Gary Rosato stepped in to protect a defenseless Matano (16-2, 5 KOs) at 2:24 of the seventh. Williams (23-0-1, 14 KOs) utilized a steady diet of combos, jabs and body shots in the middle rounds to weaken Matano and set up the big shots to close the show in the seventh.
Williams landed 59 percent of his power shots, including a staggering 76 percent in the deciding seventh.
"Maybe people will think they saw a chink in the armor tonight," Williams said. "Maybe guys will come out from under the rock and get some of this West Philly work.
"Jermall has been watching my performances. Him and his brother know exactly who I am. He needs to fight or vacate now. He needs to step up, but he's already laying his groundwork and making excuses.
"Step up and fight me. It's two of the best junior middleweights in the world. It's about greatness. I want to be great. All of you turkeys at 154 pounds, let's fight."
After the fight, Matano took issue with the stoppage.
"He was pretty fast with his jab, but I felt like I was just getting into the fight," Matano said. "I felt the punch, but I felt like I could have kept going. I have a warrior heart and I never want to quit.
"I'm going to go back to Italy and take a little rest, then I'll be right back in the gym. It was a wonderful experience coming here to America. I got to fight a top-echelon fighter and I feel like I belong."