THOUGH Julian “J-Rock” Williams is the new WBA and IBF super-welterweight champion and a man of principle, he needs to be careful.
In demanding all future opponents do “at least 90 days random blood-testing”, Williams, 27-1-1 (16), is in danger of leaving himself without anyone to challenge him. It won’t be his fault, no, but it could be the sobering trade-off to the American’s wish for a level playing field. Unfortunately, such is the extent of the performance-enhancing drug problem in boxing, it’s rare to see a top 10 list, regardless of the weight-class, free from a cheat or two. It is the reality we, the fans, and they, the boxers, have come to accept. Williams, though, refreshingly, won’t stand for it the way some of his peers might.
“Just a friendly reminder for my future opponents,” he wrote on social media. “I will be requesting at least 90 days random blood testing by VADA (Voluntary Anti-Doping Association). Won’t be cycling off on me. Now we’re going to really find out who’s the best in the 154lbs division.”