On March 1, Yoenis Tellez will take on former unified world champion Julian “J-Rock” Williams for the interim-WBA super welterweight title.

Their bout will be part of the pay-per-view card headlined by a lightweight title showdown between WBA lightweight world champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis and WBA super featherweight world champion Lamont Roach from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

Trained by the legendary Ronnie Shields in Stafford, Texas, the 24-year-old Téllez (9-0, 7 KOs) made a statement last October as he dominated veteran contender Johan Gonzalez before stopping him in round seven.

Previously Tellez made his first big splash in the sport when he stepped in on short notice in July 2023 to blast out contender Sergio Garcia and earn a third-round TKO on the Errol Spence Jr. vs. Terence Crawford undercard.

“I’m beyond excited for this showdown against Julian Williams on March 1,” said Tellez.

“All the hard work I’ve put in since I first put on a pair of gloves at age eight has led to this point. This is my opportunity to prove that I belong with the elites in the super welterweight division. With that Interim WBA title on the line, I’m stepping into the ring with one mission, to win and show the world that I’m ready for the best. I’m going to give the fans a fight they won’t forget. My goal is to take him out before the final bell rings!”

Philadelphia’s Williams (29-4-1, 17 KOs) became a unified world champion at 154-pounds in May 2019 when he upset Jarrett Hurd in one of the year’s best fights, winning a close-quarters brawl by unanimous decision. After losing the titles to Jeison Rosario in his first defense, Williams moved up to 160 pounds and eventually landed a shot against current WBC middleweight champion Carlos Adames, who won the bout by way of stoppage in nine rounds.

Williams stepped back into the ring in January 2024, stopping Gustavo David Vittori in round two and will now return to the 154-pound division looking to regain his titleholder status.

“I’m grateful and excited for this opportunity to showcase my pedigree on a big stage,” said Williams. “Tellez is a really good, hungry fighter, but I’m putting in the work to ensure that I come out on top come March 1. I’ve never been in a boring fight. I always bring it and this fight night won’t be any different. With both of our styles I think we have a real chance to steal the show.”