Jason Welborn vows to return to world title mix

The Tividale boxing hero, 32, was trying to unseat the unified super-welterweight champion and started quickly at the Staples Center, putting the title-holder on the ropes.

However, he was floored by a sickening body shot in the fourth round and was unable to beat the count.

“I gave it my best shot and thought I’d made a good start and would have been ahead on those early cards,” said Welborn. “I caught him with some decent shots in the fourth, but he came back at me.”

The former British middleweight champion can return to the Black Country with his head held high after giving Hurd a number of difficult moments, in a fight where he was a big underdog.

Indeed, Welborn had the unbeaten Hurd pinned on the ropes early in the fourth round and the champion delivered a low blow, missed by the referee, to ease the pressure. There was no disputing the quality of the punch which finished it. Hurd hit Welborn with a powerful right hand to the ribs, from which there was no coming back.

“I thought there were a couple of low blows in there that backed me up and it would have been good to have a bit of protection from the referee,” added Welborn.

“But credit to Jarrett he caught me with a great body shot that took the wind out my sails. It’s been an amazing experience and I’ve proven I can mix it with the very best. I’d like to thank all my sponsors, my family and the team at BCB Promotions for their help and support.

“I’m looking forward to getting home, having some family time for Christmas and then get back out in the world mix in 2019.”