
Tank-Roach Undercard: Undefeated 154-pounder Yoenis Tellez puts on a clinic against Julian Williams
By Dong Secuya
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 02 Mar 2025

In the first pay per view undercard of the highly anticipated Gervonta 'Tank' Davis vs Lamont Roach WBA lightweight championship at Barclays Center in New York Saturday night (Sunday in Manila) rising star Yoenis Tellez (10-0-0, 7KOs) from Cuba now residing in Stafford, Texas won over solid veteran Julian Williams (25-5-1, 17KOs) of Philadelphia, PA by wide unanimous decision capturing the WBA interim super welterweight title.
Yoenis Tellez put on a masterclass Julian Williams in a 12-round battle that showcased the Cuban prospect’s precision, power, and relentless body attack. The judges’ scorecards reflected Tellez’s dominance, with Tony Paolillo scoring it 119-109, Robert Perez at 117-111, and Waleska Roldan at 118-110.
The fight began cautiously, with Williams attempting to disrupt Tellez’s rhythm in the opening round using lateral movement and a probing left hand. However, Tellez found his groove in Round 2, landing a stinging right hand that briefly backed Williams to the ropes and followed it with a left hook to the body, signaling his intent to break the veteran down.
By Round 3, Tellez’s body work became a central theme. A pair of hooks to the midsection and a right hand-right uppercut combination showcased his ability to string punches together, targeting Williams’ liver as analysts had predicted pre-fight. Williams, known for his sturdy chin and defensive acumen, weathered the storm but struggled to mount consistent offense.
The middle rounds saw Williams employ savvy movement and feints to slow the pace, frustrating Tellez’s attempts to land clean in Round 6. A counter left hook from Williams briefly halted Tellez’s momentum, but the younger fighter remained undeterred. In Round 7, Tellez’s consistent left hand began to wear on Williams, who stayed on the back foot, content to survive rather than engage.
Tellez turned up the heat in Round 8, focusing heavily on the body with a 1-2 combination downstairs. Though Williams blocked and countered effectively at times, he couldn’t deter Tellez’s aggression. By Round 9, Tellez’s jab and a devastating right hook-uppercut combo on the inside visibly rocked Williams, who appeared fatigued heading into the championship rounds.
Round 10 saw Tellez double down on his body attack, landing a trio of right hands and a triple jab to Williams’ midsection. Williams countered with a right hand of his own, but Tellez’s focus on the torso was clearly taking its toll. As the fight entered Round 11, Tellez capped the stanza with a right uppercut, setting the stage for a final push.
In the 12th and final round, Williams’ corner urged him to target Tellez’s liver with a hook, believing the fight was still within reach. Tellez, however, came out swinging with a 1-2-left uppercut sequence. Though the round ended slowly, with Tellez landing inconsistently with the left hand, his earlier work had sealed the deal. Williams fought valiantly but couldn’t overcome the Cuban’s relentless pressure and volume.
With the victory, Tellez not only claimed the WBA interim super welterweight title but also solidified his status as a rising star in the division. Williams, meanwhile, showed resilience but couldn’t turn back the clock against the younger, hungrier fighter.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Dong Secuya.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimàn: A wonderful spectacle in Las Vegas
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Fri, 19 Sep 2025TRAINER OF THE YEAR BOB SANTOS TO MAKE BROADCASTING DEBUT AT BOXLAB PROMOTIONS' “NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS” ON SEPTEMBER 19
Fri, 19 Sep 2025Five Boxers Closed Fights Early via RSC During Wednesday’s Competition
Fri, 19 Sep 2025“Thrilla” card takes shape
By Joaquin Henson, Thu, 18 Sep 2025Wishing Best to Jayson Vayson in his World Title Challenge!
By Carlos Costa, Thu, 18 Sep 2025Vayson aims to make history
By Joaquin Henson, Thu, 18 Sep 2025KAIPO GALLEGOS TRAINING CAMP NOTES
Thu, 18 Sep 2025Day Two of 2025 USA Boxing National Open Delivers 108 Action-Packed Bouts in Tulsa
Thu, 18 Sep 2025Bryce Mills Boxes James Bernadin At del Lago Resort & Casino On Thursday, Oct. 30, in Waterloo, NY
Thu, 18 Sep 2025Caribbean Clash Returns Friday, November 7th at Gulfstream Park Casino in Hallandale, Florida
Thu, 18 Sep 2025VM Sotto, City Council Recognize GM Joey Antonio
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 18 Sep 2025Larida is Southern Coach of the Year
By Lito delos Reyes, Thu, 18 Sep 2025D.C. Knockout Artist Scooter Davis Signs Promotional Contract with Top Rank
Thu, 18 Sep 2025THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 15 SEPTEMBER 2025: Crawford Snatches Canelo's Undisputed Crown at 168 Lbs; Inoue Defeats Akhmadliev to Retain 4 Superbantam Belts; Crocker Outpoints Donovan
By Eric Armit, Wed, 17 Sep 2025TICKET NEWS: EUBANK JR-BENN II ON SALE FROM THIS WEDNESDAY
Wed, 17 Sep 2025