For a couple years now, undefeated junior middleweight Yoenis Tellez has essentially been the house fighter at the Caribe Royale Orlando in Florida, fighting at the venue in five of his past six outings.
But on March 1, on the Gervonta Davis-Lamont Roach Jnr undercard, the 24-year-old Tellez, 9-0 (7 KOs), will step up and step out against former unified champion Julian Williams in an interim junior middleweight title fight at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
“Fighting at Barclays Center in Brooklyn is a dream come true,” Tellez said. “New York has held some of the biggest fights in boxing history, and I’m excited to perform on such a big stage for the first time. I know the energy in the arena is going to be electric, and I’m looking forward to putting on a great show for all the fans.”
Cuba’s Tellez, who most recently stopped Johan Gonzalez at the Caribe Royale last October, continues to climb the ranks in the division. But he considers his progress more than just a matter of course, crediting Ronnie Shields for overseeing his nuanced improvements and camps at the trainer’s Plex Boxing Gym just outside Houston for optimizing his fitness.
“Training in Texas with Coach Ronnie has been incredible, as always,” Tellez said. “Every day, we focus on the little details that matter, refine my technique and make sure I’m in the best shape possible. Ronnie brings a wealth of knowledge, and I’ve grown a lot under his guidance. This has been one of my best camps yet, and I feel stronger, faster and more prepared than ever.”
Philadelphia’s 34-year-old Williams, 29-4-1 (19 KOs), has lost three of his past five and fought just twice in the past 28 months. But he has seen all that a fighter can see and is the most accomplished fighter Tellez has yet faced. It’s uncertain how much Williams has left, but three of his four losses have come against Carlos Adames, Jeison Rosario and, in 2016, Jermall Charlo – as sterling a level of opposition as can be found at 154.
“Julian Williams is a former world champion with a lot of experience, and I respect what he’s done in the sport,” Tellez said. “But on March 1, I’m going to come with everything I’ve got. I have a style that is exciting, and I’m confident in my ability to execute our game plan. This is a huge opportunity for me, and I’m ready to show the world what I’m capable of.”
Whether Tellez is able to line up the sort of business he’s interested in – and there’s still the business of getting past Williams first – he at least has a plan.
“A win in this fight solidifies me as the top contender at 154lbs,” Tellez said. “My goal is to win in spectacular fashion and be squarely in position to face Jermell Charlo, Terence Crawford and Sebastian Fundora.”
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