Jarrett Hurd ‘New Sherriff in Town’

Saturday April 7th 2018 we witnessed the emergence of a new sheriff in town as the younger, fresher, bigger, challenger Jarrett ‘Swift’ Hurd took over the 154lbs reins from the long reigning wily southpaw Erislandy Lara in an all action packed 12 round hard fought fight. Coming into the fight Hurd was coming off the back of a statement performance victory, when he pressured, bullied, walked down and stopped long time 154lbs challenger and former champion Austin Trout in a one sided shut out performance. So leading into this showdown morale and confidence was high for the young champion, but he was in with one of the most skillful, defensive minded southpaws in the game today, whose aim would be to control the fight from a distance on the back foot and dictate the pace.

For the first half of this unification bout WBO, IBO champion Lara did manage to control the fight with quick combinations, angles, and a double jab as his main weaponry. With this game plan he managed to take the early rounds although he looked uncomfortable throughout as he watched Hurd walk through the fire that he was dishing at him. As the rounds accumulated the young cowboy remained impassive and stuck to his guns, while the Sherriff began to question his own ability which would eventually lead to his downfall. As the pressure from Hurd began to take its toll on the old veteran’s body the fight rapidly began to change direction as Hurd looked more and more in control.

Round 12 was the deciding round in this fight as Hurd dropped Lara with a flash hook sending the crowd roaring with delight at the prospect of a new ruler. Dazed, tired, and war torn the sheriff managed to dig deep and find the will to rise to his feet and finish the fight hearing the final bell. Lara fought a very entertaining fight and deserves credit for his brave performance, but with the unanimous decision win Hurd is now the unified WBA and IBF junior middleweight champion and thus the ‘New Sherriff in town’. But as we know there is always a new cowboy emerging ready to challenge the sheriff for his badge. And riding through in the distance is another young determined cowboy whose aim is to rule the junior middleweight division. Unbeaten WBC champion Jermell Charlo. But it remains to be seen when Charlo does ride into town looking to take over, how will the new appointed sheriff embrace the challenge of defending his titles and his honor?