Young welterweight prospect Jalil Hackett, 21, of Washington, D.C., is making waves in the boxing world with his ambitious plans. Ahead of his fight against Jose Roman this Saturday in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Hackett has publicly set his sights on WBO welterweight titleholder Brian Norman Jr., teasing a potential clash that has boxing fans buzzing.
Hackett, who is fighting outside the U.S. mainland for the first time, addressed his aspirations during a press conference on Thursday.
“I’ll be 22 next year, and I don’t believe in beating around the bush in life,” Hackett said. “If I’m going to be one of the best, I’m trying to find out early. Brian Norman said he wants the smoke – he’s got the WBO belt. After we get through this, we’re looking at a world title in 2025.”
His father and trainer, Bernard Hackett, shared the team’s roadmap for Jalil’s journey, emphasizing their focus on the Norman fight after this weekend. Jalil, who signed with Matchroom Boxing earlier this year, is coming off a unanimous decision victory over Pete Dobson in July.
Hackett’s upcoming opponent, Jose Roman, 31, boasts a solid record of 13-1 (6 KOs) and is riding a two-fight win streak. The fight is a critical step for Hackett, who is currently ranked No. 14 by the WBA.
Meanwhile, Norman, 24, of Conyers, Georgia, has cemented his status as a rising star with an impressive 26-0 (20 KOs) record. Norman claimed the interim WBO welterweight title in May with a knockout victory over Giovani Santillan. However, he was forced to withdraw from his November bout against Derrieck Cuevas due to injury and is expected to return in early 2024.
Potential Hackett-Norman Rivalry
Hackett’s team envisions a marquee fight with Norman as a much-needed boost for the welterweight division. Bernard Hackett compared their potential rivalry to the legendary Leonard-Hearns battles of the 1980s.
“If they fought next summer, they’d be 22 and 24 – the same age Leonard and Hearns were in their first fight,” Bernard said. “The problem in boxing is there are no great rivalries right now. This could be the rivalry that brings excitement back to the sport.”
With both fighters showing a willingness to step into the ring early in their careers, a showdown between Hackett and Norman could become a defining moment for the division.
Upcoming Fights
| Fighter | Record | Next Fight | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jalil Hackett | 9-0 (7 KOs) | vs. Jose Roman (Dec. 9, 2023) | Ranked No. 14 by WBA; eyes world title in 2025. |
| Brian Norman Jr. | 26-0 (20 KOs) | Early 2024 (TBA) | Interim WBO champion; recently withdrew due to injury. |
| Jose Roman | 13-1 (6 KOs) | vs. Jalil Hackett (Dec. 9, 2023) | On a two-fight win streak; Hackett’s first international test. |
Key Quotes
- Jalil Hackett: “I’m trying to find out early if I can be one of the best.”
- Bernard Hackett: “This could be a great rivalry. The welterweight division needs a star-making fight.”
The welterweight division, often seen as stagnant since the departures of stars like Terence Crawford and Errol Spence Jr., could get the injection of excitement it needs if Hackett and Norman lock horns. For now, Hackett’s immediate focus is on Saturday’s bout, but the young fighter’s vision is already looking toward boxing greatness.
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