Jeison Rosario started 2020 with what could turn out to be one of the upsets of the entire year, as the Miami based Dominican produced a sensational stoppage victory over Julian Williams, a fighter considered by most as the number 1 at 154 prior to the Rosario fight.
Rosario was dominant from the outset, as he imposed himself on Williams, pushing the Philadelphia man back in a way that many had never seen before. After the fifth round stoppage victory, Rosario opened up about his unified world title victory.
He said - "I’m so emotional in this moment right now. When I lost my last fight I said I will never lose again until I become champion of the world and that’s what happened tonight. I came prepared. I knew before the fight that I was going to win it.
"I would have started doing training camps a little earlier if I had known these were going to be the results. Thanks to Philadelphia and to Julian Williams. Without this opportunity, I wouldn’t be champion today. I have to give a lot of credit to my team. I had a 16-week training camp and that prepared me for this. My life is changed forever and I can support my family in a whole new way.
"As soon as I stepped into the ring, I knew he could not hurt me. I knew that my power was affecting him right away. This is a big victory for me and for the whole Dominican Republic. I realized that I was going to win, once I was offered the fight. I knew that If I made the sacrifice, that I would do what I did tonight. I knew it 16 weeks ago."
Rosario is rumoured to be giving Williams a rematch for the unified titles in the coming months, however, if the rematch doesn't go ahead, Rosario weighed in who he would like to clash with next.
The Dominican said, "I will be happy to give Williams the opportunity to fight me again. He gave me the chance to fight him so I will do the same for him but I believe I will win again.
"If I don't fight Williams I would like to fight Charlo or Lara next. They are the best and I want to show that I am the best. I am 24 and I am only getting better and better."