Julian Williams to defend titles against Jeison Rosario in January

Junior middleweight titleholder Julian Williams will defend his belts against Jeison Rosario on January 18 at Liacouras Center in Philadelphia, according to reports.

Williams (27-1-1, 16 knockouts) is coming off a sensational decision victory over then-unbeaten Jarrett Hurd in May, in which Williams won two major titles. They were expected to fight again but Hurd decided to go a different direction for now.

Williams, who will be fighting in his hometown, has won five consecutive fights since he was stopped by Jermall Charlo in five rounds in 2015.

Rosario (19-1-1, 13 KOs) is a 24-year-old Miami-based Dominican who is unbeaten in his last eight fights. He’s coming off a split-decision victory over Jorge Cota in April, which earned him his first title shot.

The only loss on Rosario’s record is a sixth-round knockout against Nathaniel Gallimore in 2016.