Rosario Stuns Williams To Become Unified World Champion

In another chapter in the Super Welterweight world title merry go round, Jeison Rosario scored a major upset in relieving Julian Williams of the WBA (Super) IBF and IBO belts in the champion’s first defence.

It was supposed to be a homecoming for the Philadelphian at the Liacouras Centre, but it turned into a nightmare as the Dominican challenger scored a fifth round stoppage win.

Williams was cut over his left eye in round two, and this seemed to bother him for the duration of the contest. Rosario constantly put pressure on Williams though with power shots, not giving the champion much time to rest or think.

With Williams trapped in the corner in the fifth, Rosario uncorked a vicious right uppercut, followed by a left hook that left “J-Rock” wobbling across the ropes, and, with his eyes in orbit, the referee, Benjy Esteves called a halt to the action. Williams mildly protested the decision, but it was the right one.

Williams’ short reign ends after his upset win over Jermall Charlo last year, and he clearly underestimated his first challenger.

“When I lost my last fight, I said I wasn’t going to lose again until I was world champion” said Rosario post fight.

Williams indicated that he has a rematch clause with Rosario that he would be taking up.

In the chief support, Chris Colbert claimed the interim WBA Super Featherweight title with a low key but wide points win over former world champion, Jezzrel Corrales.

Colbert scored a flash knockdown in the tenth round and two scores of 117-110 and a third at 116-111 saw the Brooklynite claim the interim crown.

Leo Santa Cruz is the current WBA (Super) champion, while Rene Alvarado owns the regular belt.

Catch up on the other fight results from Saturday night here.