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:
WBC Champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios Locked in for Ryan Garcia Showdown February 21 at T-Mobile Arena
Tue, 17 Feb 2026Dana White mocks traditional boxing promoters: "No contest, it's like hitting babies"
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Tue, 17 Feb 2026LEIGH WOOD OUTLINES PLAN OF ATTACK FOR SOLD OUT REMATCH AGAINST JOSH WARRINGTON
Tue, 17 Feb 2026Cain Velasquez released from a California State prison
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Tue, 17 Feb 2026Patrick Rivera wins Pacman's Cue Club 10-Ball Tournament; pockets P100,000
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 17 Feb 2026Undefeated Brooklyn heavyweight Pryce Taylor Fighting again in Detroit this Sunday on Claressa Shields’ card
Tue, 17 Feb 2026TRAINING CAMP NOTES Gabriela Tellez Ready to Make a Statement This Friday in Orlando
Tue, 17 Feb 2026Rapista wins WBC Far East Silver super flyweight title
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 16 Feb 2026IM Christian Gian Karlo Tade-Arca faces tough competition in Manny Pacquiao International Open dubbed as 87th Kalilangan Chess Festival 2026
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 16 Feb 2026Efe Ajagba vs Charles Martin: Zuffa Heavyweights Square Off on Sunday
By Chris Carlson, Sun, 15 Feb 2026“The Nightmare” Back in Action: Oguni vs Tapales April 3 in Japan
By Carlos Costa, Sun, 15 Feb 2026Cold Comfort: Tapales and Vitor Frozen Out in Moscow Heartbreaker
By Dong Secuya, Sat, 14 Feb 2026WBC Celebrates 63 years of dedication to the sports and fighters
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sat, 14 Feb 2026BOXING STARS FROM AROUND THE WORLD LINING UP FOR 2026 HALL OF FAME WEEKEND IN "BOXING’S HOMETOWN"
Sat, 14 Feb 2026Filipino Boxers Make Weight in Brico Santig's Valentine's Show in Thailand
By Carlos Costa, Sat, 14 Feb 2026