Recently crowned IBF titlist Jarrett Hurd continues to step up in the junior middleweight division. Reportedly this summer he will be making his first defense against perennial top contender Austin Trout. On paper this is a much more difficult matchup for the Maryland native than when he won the vacant title against Tony Harrison.
Jarrett Hurd (20-0, 14 KOs) won the title back in February on the undercard of Deontay Wilder and Gerald Washington. Tony Harrison was a big step up for him then and accordingly he presented all sorts of difficulties in the first half of the fight, but Hurd rallied over the last few rounds to score a come from behind stoppage win. Previously the toughest competition Jarrett Hurd had faced was against the likes of Oscar Molina and Frank Galarza. These are good fighters who were quality stepping stones, but they are several steps from world class.
Austin Trout (30-3, 17 KOs) has been world class for half a decade now ever since his clear 2012 decision win over Miguel Cotto. He nearly followed up with a win over Canelo Alvarez as well in a razor close fight that he ended up losing. Unbelievably, Austin Trout next fought Erislandy Lara to cap one of the most difficult three fight runs in recent boxing history. There he found a bad style matchup and lost a wide decision.
After four fights at a lower level, Austin Trout stepped back up almost exactly a year ago to challenge rising star Jermall Charlo for his belt. Much like in the Canelo bout, Trout put forward a very strong performance in an almost even fight that just did not quite go his way on the cards. This summer it looks like he will be fighting again for the very same belt. Charlo moved up and vacated it after his fight with Austin Trout, leaving it for Jarrett Hurd to eventually win.
Jarrett Hurd is not considered to be on the level of the opponents who have beat Trout. He is not supposed to be a Canelo Alvarez, Erislandy Lara, or Jermall Charlo. This will be his opportunity to change that narrative.
Boxing in 2017 continues to excel.
