Former unified junior middleweight champion Julian “J-Rock” Williams is all set to return to the ring for the first time in 18 months when he takes on Brian Mendoza in a 10-round showdown on June 26 at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.

Williams' return will be part of the Showtime pay-per-view undercard to Gervonta Davis' showdown with WBA "regular" junior welterweight champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios.

Philadelphia’s Williams (27-2-1, 16 KOs), 31-years-old, became a unified junior middleweight champion in May 2019 when he shocked Jarrett Hurd by unanimous decision.

But in January of last year, it was Williams who was shocked when Jeison Rosario knocked him out in five rounds.

A return planned for last fall was pushed back when Williams tested positive for COVID-19.

“This has been the longest layoff of my career, so I’m excited to get back in the ring,” said Williams.

“Mendoza is a decent fighter. I’ve even been in the gym with him and he’s a good guy. But on June 26, it’s going to be all business. I just need to come out on top. He doesn’t have anything that I haven’t seen before. I know he’ll be ready because this is like the Super Bowl for him. So I know he’ll be ready, but I’ll be ready too. If I’m able to get the win, then it’s on to bigger and better opportunities. But I’m definitely not looking past Brian because I know how seriously he’s taking this fight.”

Mendoza (19-1, 13 KOs) has been away from the ring since August 2020, when he picked up a unanimous decision victory over Thomas "Cornflake" LaManna.

“This fight against Julian Williams is just the fight I’ve been waiting for,” said Mendoza. “I’m planning to take full advantage of the opportunity. Julian Williams is a great fighter, but after June 26, the whole world is going to know that I belong at this level.”