“Swift” is realizing his potential and moving with the expedience his nickname suggests.
Jarrett Hurd is still an enigma in boxing.
After attaining the IBF light middleweight title in 2017 and then picking up the WBA (Super) and IBO titles, the world is still learning Mr. Hurd.
The Accokeek, Maryland native grew up in the suburbs of Washington, D.C. and had an average amateur career finishing at 32-8.
However, after an incredible 13-0 local run in the “DMV” (D.C.-Maryland-Virginia) as a professional, with 8 KOs, Hurd began gaining bigger opportunities.
His big shot came in 2017 when he fought Tony Harrison for the vacant IBF light middleweight title. It was on the undercard for Deontay Wilder vs. Gerald Washington and Hurd sent Harrison to the canvas in the ninth to become the champ.
Since then, he has successfully defended against Austin “No Doubt” Trout before truly making his mark on the game.
Coming Of Age
In April 2018, Hurd unified 154-pound titles by defeating WBA titlist Erislandy Lara. The thrilling contest saw Hurd drop Lara in the final round to edge the decision on the scorecards.
With the win, Hurd became seventh unified world title holder in light middleweight history.
It was the consensus 2018 Fight of the Year, including recognition from the BWAA, ESPN, Sporting News and more.
“For me to be in a Fight of the Year against a fighter with Erislandy Lara’s style, I must be an exciting fighter,” said Hurd on the international conference call. “When fans tune-in to watch me, they know the fight is usually action-packed. I go out there and leave it all in the ring and give it my all every time.”
Now, Hurd faces his next challenge in Philadelphia’s Julian Willams. The two will be headlining Premier Boxing Champions on FOX this Saturday from a stone’s throw from Hurd’s Maryland home at the EagleBank Arena in northern Virginia.
Hurd has been embraced by the DMV, partnering with the Washington Redskins and appearing at the National Cherry Blossom Festival parade, Broccoli City Festival, and the D.C. United game.
“When I first heard it was official I’d be fighting at home, it meant everything to me,” said Hurd. “Winning the world title was always a dream of mine and I accomplished that two times. Now I just want to defend it in front of my people. It’s the perfect time to come home and it’s going to be a special night.”
“I think that all of my fights have prepared me for this opportunity, not just the Charlo fight,” said Williams on the international conference call. “I learned from the 21 fights I had before that too. The Charlo fight gave me a chance to go back to the drawing board and work on a bunch of things. I have championship experience and that’s invaluable.”
With an insatiable style in the ring that has proven to beat the odds, the world is realizing the staying power of Jarrett Hurd.
