Exclusive: Julian Williams: I’m Just As Hungry As Ever Before, But More Experienced Now

Most boxers don’t end up sniffing a world title shot when their careers are over with, but Julian Williams is just days away from his second opportunity.

Back in 2016, Williams lost to Jermell Charlo with the WBC junior middleweight title on the line. After embarking on a four-fight win streak, the Philadelphia native now has a shot at Jarrett Hurd’s WBA and IBF junior middleweight titles on May 11. In a recent media conference call, Williams was asked by Fightful what is different about himself now compared to when he unsuccessfully challenged for the WBC title a few years ago.

“I’m not going to say I’m any more or less hungry. I’ve always been a hungry fighter, but I do think I’m more experienced. Experience is invaluable so I’m definitely more experienced,” Williams told Fightful.

Later in the call, Williams touched upon what drives him to continue fighting and at this point in his career, Williams’s biggest motivation is capturing the world title and the benefits that come with being a champion. Williams has a golden opportunity to win not one but two of the four major world titles at 154 pounds.

“I’m motivated by the glory, the titles, and the money. Everybody has an opinion so I don’t really care or dig too far into people’s views on the fight. I can’t get into that because if I do, I’ll be on social media until 3 in the morning every night. I have to take those things in stride and after I win the fight on May 11th, then everybody’s going to run back and say, ‘He’s a great fighter.’ I just want to cash my check and see my kids. That’s it,” Williams said.

Hurd vs. Williams will headline the May 11 PBC on Fox card from the EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, Virginia. You can listen to Williams talking to Fightful in the video at the top of the page.