Jason Welborn jets out for date with destiny

The 32-year-old today jetted off to Los Angeles to begin final preparations for his showdown with unified super welterweight champion Jarrett Hurd.

Welborn challenges Hurd a week tomorrow at the Staples Center for the American’s IBF and WBA belts, in a fight which is comfortably the biggest of his career.

The former British middleweight champion has spent the past few weeks being put through his paces at Wednesbury Boxing Club.

And he said: “I have gone through hell. I could not have done anything else.

“I have been in the gym twice a day. We have worked on gameplans, working on technique. It has been a brilliant training camp.”

Welborn, who vacated his British crown in order to take the fight, is a huge underdog against unbeaten Hurd, in what will be his first ever fight outside the UK.

But he said: “The team and the confidence they have in me, they know with the strength and the ability I have and that I can beat fighters like this.

“I’m just looking forward to getting out there now and showing the world what I am about. I’m ready for the best in the world.

“This is where putting a pair of boxing gloves on can change my life.

“If I do this, it will be a dream come true.”

Welborn is aiming to cap a stunning year in the ring which began when he was crowned British champion back in May, following a split decision victory over Tommy Langford.

He then successfully defended the belt in September re-match with Langford, again on split decision.

Hurd has won all 22 of his pro bouts, including 15 inside the distance.