In this Q&A, former unified super welterweight champion champion Julian Williams' discusses their decision to bypass a direct rematch with Jeison Rosario. Stephen Edwards also weighs in on what went wrong in January when Williams was stopped by Rosario in Philadelphia.
BoxingScene.com: There have been reports that Julian is bypassing his rematch clause against Rosario. Can you confirm if this is true and if so why are you guys going that route?
Stephen Edwards: Julian just had surgery on both of his eyes last week. He can't even spar until May or June. We wouldn't be ready for a rematch in a reasonable period of time. It's counterproductive to rush into a rematch without getting his eye fixed and his eye was a big reason he lost in the first place. But Team Rosario has expressed to me personally that they are honorable and will give us the rematch very soon. Just not next because we won't be ready.
BoxingScene.com: With the surgery being completed, what is the time frame for J Rock to be back in the ring and what type of opponent will you be looking for?
Stephen Edwards: He should be ready to go by August or September. I don't know who the opponent will be as of yet.
BoxingScene.com: Obviously the fight versus Rosario didn't go as planned. Julian got caught and didn't ever recover. Now that a couple months have passed what do you take from that fight in what turned out to be a very unsuccessful homecoming?
Stephen Edwards: What I've learned is it's no use of talking about what went wrong publicly. It always sounds like an excuse and at the end of the day it doesn't matter. The result is what matters. Julian just has to redeem himself. Jeison Rosario fought a great fight and he got the win.
BoxingScene.com: In the win over Jarrett Hurd, Julian became a champion and unified champion all in one fell swoop. What is the plan to regain those titles?
Stephen Edwards: Yes it seems as though the PBC is trying to get all of the major belts in their stable. The goal is to try to get them all and RING title then leave the division.
BoxingScene.com: Now that Julian has relinquished an immediate rematch there is talk of Rosario facing WBC champion Jermell Charlo next in a unification bout. What do you think of that fight and who do you favor if they do indeed fight?
Stephen Edwards: That's a great action fight. I have no favorite.
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