Julian Williams settles for Marcello Matano but eyes squarely on big-fight opportunity

Julian Williams is boxing's new boogeyman.

The 25-year-old's power and strength are starkly evident for all fellow 154-pounders, and they apparently decided they want no part of it. If the choice is theirs to make, that is.

J-Rock has lobbied for scraps with notable junior middleweights like Austin Trout, Erislandy Lara and both Charlo twins to no avail. If he blows by Marcello Matano as expected, though, a title opportunity will be in reach.

They meet Saturday in Bethlehem, Pa. in the main event on Showtime (10 p.m. ET), and if Williams prevails against the massive underdog from Italy, all will finally fall into place. The bout is a final IBF eliminator with the winner mandated to challenge for the title. Jermall Charlo holds that belt currently, and if he chooses to vacate, Williams will meet the next available contender.

"I have come to a conclusion that if people don't have to fight Julian Williams then they won't," said the Philadelphian, rated No. 7 by BoxingJunkie at 154 pounds. "It hasn't been that frustrating though because I always have a fight on the books.

"I can't worry about the people who won't fight me. I just have to stay ready and put myself in the mandatory spot. That's what I am going to do on Saturday night."

Many fighters were offered the opportunity to meet Williams (21-0-1, 13 KOs) in the eliminator, but for various reasons, they all declined. Among them: Vanes Martirosyan and Michel Soro.

It was believed Williams and Trout would square off in an intriguing matchup, but that, too, fell by the wayside. Williams needed just one round to demolish Luciano Cuello in September. Afterward Trout, who was serving as a ringside analyst for Fox Sports 1, accepted Williams' challenge, but the matchup never materialized.

"We thought we were going to fight Austin Trout in December, and he saw that Julian gave his opponent a concussion and said 'I don't want to fight him,'" claimed Williams' trainer, Stephen Edwards. "It's just that simple. We have to get past Matano and then we can talk about Charlo."

So far, Williams looks like a handful for any contender. The 5-foot-11 man packs a big punch, is technically sound and fights aggressively. No one has tested him yet due to the weak level of opposition.

Matano (16-1, 5 KOs) isn't likely to be the first person. All of the light-punching 29-year-old's fights were in Italy against domestic-level opposition, and he owns a loss to someone named Felice Moncelli. Matano, while an afterthought who is only getting this fight due to curious rankings, naturally says he will spring the upset.

"I can adapt myself to any opponent," Matano said. "I can be a boxer or I can be a brawler. But in my heart, I am a warrior and I will come forward all fight. I am coming to leave that ring victorious."

Said Williams: "I always knew I wanted to pursue a boxing career, so I treat it like I want it. I've been dreaming about this for a long time and my opportunity is finally here. I always want to put on an explosive performance. It's always about a win."

( Photo of Williams by Amanda Westcott/SHOWTIME )