If I Were a Boxing Matchmaker: Jarrett Hurd

Welcome back folks. Today I’d like to discuss some potential matchups for Jarrett Hurd

Jarrett Hurd 23-1 (16 KOs)

In the aftermath of Jarrett Hurd’s loss to Julian Williams, I would like to talk about what should be in store for Hurd next. I was never really sold on Jarrett Hurd as being an elite level boxer and I was definitely expecting him to lose one of these days. He has always had slow moving feet and poor head movement.

Hurd is a huge 154-pound fighter who should probably just go ahead and make the transition up in weight. I believe he has accomplished enough at 154 and there are better options available at 160 and potentially 168. “Swift” has already beaten the likes of Erislandy Lara, Tony Harrison and Austin Trout. The only possible matchups I would be intrigued by at 154 right now is Jermell Charlo or a rematch with Julian Williams. Those are good fights, but not as interesting as the potential at 160.

Hurd throws a lot of punches, puts a lot of pressure on guys, and can take one hell of a punch. I wasn’t quite expecting the loss to come to Julian Williams, although I did expect Williams to give Hurd some problems. I thought Williams would put some rounds in the book by outboxing Hurd for about four rounds or so, then I thought Hurd would turn up the heat and end up stopping Williams, probably around the 9^th or 10^th round. Give Julian Williams a lot of credit for going right after Hurd and showing some real grit and determination in their fight, he deserves it. To me Jarrett Hurd was always one of those guys that I thought would not be able to defeat the elite level boxers, yet would always make for drama-filled, action-packed fights and could potentially upset some of the bigger names. Which is where I would start as targets for potential opponents for “Swift”.

#1 Matchup: Jaime Munguia 33-0 (26 KOs)

What a barn burner this would be! I have been fantasizing about this matchup for a while now. Not because I think either one of them are the most talented boxers around, but because this would be a brutal war that would have everyone at the edge of their seats drooling for more. It’s an instant classic that could produce so much action that I think this could bring back the good ole’ days when a great scrap like this produces a rematch, trilogy, and possibly a fourth or fifth match. Both of them are currently in the 154-pound division, but this would probably be suited better for both of them at 160 pounds. That way neither one of them have to drain themselves.

#2 Matchup: Jermall Charlo 28-0 (21 KOs)

This is a quality matchup between two top level competitors near, or at 160 pounds. Hurd could go after either, or both of the Charlo brothers if he could continue to make 154 pounds. However, I think Jermall is the more interesting match of the two. He is the bigger and more powerful of the two. Charlo has the speed and the better boxing ability, yet Hurd could possibly break Charlo down with his pressure. This would prove positioning as a highly-rated contender in order to potentially line up for a bout against one of the top middleweights, such as Canelo, Golovkin, etc.

#3 Matchup: Gennady Golovkin 38-1-1 (34 KOs)

Jarrett Hurd is not as skilled as “GGG” and if this were Golovkin 5+ years ago, this wouldn’t be as competitive. However due to the fact that Gennady is 37 years young now, this could get interesting. Stylistically, they are both pressure fighters and both have power. Golovkin has more dimensions to his game than Hurd. This could be brutal warfare that would most likely end in bloodshed and it would also prove if Hurd is on a comparable level as the Golovkins and the Alvarezs of the sport. If I were Hurd’s advisor, I would take my chances and jump at the risk. Win or lose, Hurd can gain a lot of recognition and fan base from a fight like this.

#4 Matchup: Ryota Murata 14-2 (11 KOs)

Again, like I will continue to point out with opponents for Hurd, Murata would be an action-packed brawl. Both men are aggressive fighters who possess power and force. Neither one has the greatest defense in the world. So, what more can you ask for when you’re looking for your money’s worth? Murata is a huge sell in Japan and Hurd can gain a ton of international appeal if he went over to Murata’s hometown. If this was shown on a big platform, like Showtime, ESPN, DAZN, whatever, this could get some big viewing numbers and would produce plenty of ticket sales.

#5 Matchup: Sergiy Derevyanchenko 13-1 (10 KOs)

Hurd could have several options at this point, including going after guys like Demetrius Andrade, Rob Brant or even moving up in weight again to fight guys like Callum Smith or other top super middleweights. A bout against Sergiy Derevyanchenko seems more interesting to me for more action. It would be a competitive bout between two men competing for a high spot at middleweight. It’s an intriguing styles matchup, as Derevyanchenko is the more skilled boxer, yet doesn’t move enough to not get touched by Hurd a few times.