Jeison Rosario turned to Bob Santos for ‘make or break’ with Jarrett Hurd

The middleweight veteran Jeison Rosario is training with Bob Santos for the critical juncture in his career that leads him to Jarrett Hurd on Wednesday at the ProBox TV Events Center in Plant City, Florida.

The loser of this bout leaves with limited future prospects, making it pivotal for them both.

Rosario (24-4-1, 18 KOs), who comes from the Dominican Republic, has encountered setbacks, having been stopped in his past three major fights against Jermell Charlo, Erickson Lubin, and Brian Mendoza. Moving up in weight for his past five fights has brought mixed results; the upcoming clash against the 33-year-old Hurd (25-3, 17 KOs) of Accokeek, Maryland therefore serves as a litmus test for his standing in the division and the sport.

“Right now, at this stage in my career, I needed a hard nose type of coach to get me back in shape,” the 29 year old said. “Bob Santos was the perfect person to come into my life at this stage. I’ve been eating the right foods, and my body is strong. 

“Hurd is a very big guy for this weight class, but so am I. It’s going to be a war and I’m ready for the come forward style that Hurd brings to the ring.”

Despite a knockout victory over Israel Valerio Nina in November, Rosario’s recent losses loom large. While a former titleholder, the allure of his name and potential match-ups have diminished. He sees Santos as integral to revitalizing his career.

“Since I started training with Bob Santos, I feel like I’ve started all over again when I was at my best,” he said. “The way this camp has been going is incredible. I needed a no-nonsense type of coach to get me back into shape. We’ve put a lot of hard work in for the last three months. I feel like I’m back to my old self. Bob has a lot of experience that he’s helped add to my game or my arsenal.”

Rosario views Wednesday’s fight as pivotal to avoiding becoming a stepping stone in boxing’s landscape.

“I’m grateful for the chance to headline a ProBox TV card, considering I could easily be on the undercard,” he acknowledged. “This fight is make-or-break for me. My career hinges on a victory against Hurd.”

Acknowledging the stakes involved, Rosario emphasized his determination to prove himself one more time.

“I’m getting another chance to rejuvenate my career, so yes my back is against the wall, and I need to come out victorious in this fight If I’m going to continue on,” Rosario said. “I don’t want to say it’s my last chance because I know I have a lot of fight left in me, but I must prove it against Hurd.”