Jason Welborn: ‘This is a dream come true’

by Nick Bond

THE Deontay Wilder-Tyson Fury PPV undercard begins at 2 a.m. in the UK (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) and features unified 154-pound world champion Jarrett Hurd defending against the West Midland’s Jason Welborn, Cuban heavyweight contender Luis Ortiz in a 10-round showdown against rugged veteran Travis Kauffman and rising heavyweight Joe Joyce taking on Joe Hanks in a 10-round heavyweight attraction.

“This is a dream come true to be here,” says Welborn of his shot at the title. “Hurd has worked his way up to get here just like I have. Right now, he’s in my way. I hope everyone enjoys what I bring to the table on Saturday night.”

“I have the belief that I’m born and bred for this game and I’m going to show it to the whole world on Saturday night. I always prove people wrong.

“The last two years I’ve become the best in Britain and beaten everyone they put in front of me. When people doubt me, I train even harder. I’m coming to win and I’ve got nothing to lose.

“I have to get what I deserve and I’ll do it on Saturday night. I’ve already been through the storm. He’s got what I want.

“I’ve got to enjoy the fight and get what I want. He can look past me all he wants, but once he feels what I bring to the table, we’ll see how he reacts. I’m ready for whatever he’s going to bring to the table,” added Welborn.

IBF super-welterweight king Hurd is keen to impress on the big stage: “Everything that my team and I have spoken about has come to pass. I’m here as the co-main of a massive card and I’m just really appreciative of everyone who believed in me and helped push me to this moment.”

“Saturday night I want to show my versatility. Everyone has seen that I’m electrifying. I bring the action. But I want to show that I am swift and I do have defense. I know how to use my height and range. I’m still going to bring the action on Saturday, so you have to make sure to tune-in,” he added.

“We don’t think of Welborn as a tune-up fight. Jason Welborn is a British champion for a reason. We just want to go out there and establish the game plan we worked on in camp.

“I want to show my defensive side and show that I can box and move. I want to show that I don’t have to just keep coming forward. I’m going to be able to do that and start to break him down and get him out of there.

“Everybody sees my demeanor, and they know that I carry that to the ring. My composure is my biggest attribute. No matter what anyone says, I’m always going to be me.

“I’m number one in the division and things are going to play out how I want them. We’ve had three tough camps training for southpaws. When I eventually fight (WBC champion) Jermell Charlo, I’m going to be ready because of all the work on my versatility and defense. I’ll be ready for Jermell Charlo.

“I want to be an active champion because I didn’t have a lot of amateur fights. I need to stay in the ring and get all the experience I can. I want to get these good fights in while I’m still young and healthy.

“I’m back from my surgery and we’re going to get back to the old Jarrett Hurd. I’m going to show everyone all that I can do. Everyone knows that there’s always going to be action. It’s going to be a wonderful fight on a wonderful card. Don’t blink during this one.”