JARRETT HURD announced his return to the ring with a sublime bodyshot stoppage of British brave English underdog Jason Welborn.
The 32-year-old former British champion has only been a full-time professional fighter for two years but looked at home fighting for the WBA and IBF light-middleweight titles.
5 Hurd knocked out Welborn in round four with a right to the body
Hurd, who had shoulder surgery in June, cherry-picked Welborn for his title defence but it almost looked like a disaster decision when he took a shock lead on the cards before a superb round-four shot.
The 28-year-old American with the shock of blond hair was always looking past the Brit, eyeing up a mouthwatering fight with Jermell Charlo in early 2019 and the pair clashed in the ring afterwards.
But the real fight had occurred moments earlier when Welborn dared us to dream he could complete an incredible upset.
Welborn started brightly, he was game and applying pressure to the heavy favourite.
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5 Welborn got off to a good start in the opening three rounds
5 The Brit dropped down from middleweight to challenge for Hurd's light-middleweight crowns
A brief pause to retrieve, wash and replace his gumshield did not cost him his early rhythm and he certainly seemed to win the round.
He would have been able to hear the few lone voices in the crowd cheering him on, too, he was doing everyone proud.
The Black Country grafter gave Hurd a second gruelling round with constant pressure but the American was able to show his class on a handful of occasions.
Welborn’s head was knocked back twice when he was tagged with pinpoint accuracy.
The Accokeek stylist dropped 34lbs to make the 154lbs weight limit and looked a monster in the ring fully rehydrated when compared to Welborn who has boxed at welterweight.
5 Hurd dropped Welborn only once before the fight was halted
5 The Brit could not beat the ten-count as he was handed his seventh career loss