Photo Credit: Ryan Hafey/Premier Boxing Champions
Jarrett Hurd proved his resiliency by weathering an early deficit to break down Tony Harrison and score an emphatic ninth-round stoppage to win the vacant IBF super welterweight title.
Harrison did well in the first half of the contest by exploiting Hurd’s modified crouch and crab stance. Hurd’s lead left was crossed over his body, allowing the faster Harrison to land first in exchanges with his jab and later counter rights. Hurd weathered the storm and continued being the aggressor Eventually, Hurd began to get inside and land short hooks.
The tide noticeably turned at the end of the fifth when Hurd wobbled Harrison with a right uppercut. Afterward, Harrison’s equilibrium was shaken any time Hurd landed a clean shot. Harrison was nearly dropped in the seventh and eighth stanzas for trying to exchange and finally tasted in the canvas in the ninth from a counter right hook. Harrison beat the count but spit out his mouthpiece, prompting the referee to call off the bout.
Going in, a lot of pundits had this as an even fight. From my viewpoint, I heavily favored Hurd due to continued questions I have about Harrison’s durability. If an opponent can take his power and apply pressure, Harrison seems to fall apart despite his obvious talent. Harrison is still only 26, but I believe he’s reached his ceiling.
Beats, Boxing and Mayhem 