When boxing world champion Julian Williams dropped to his knees in prostration after winning three world title belts, millions of viewers around the globe witnessed something far more powerful than a knockout — they witnessed a man publicly thanking his Creator. In an exclusive interview on The Deen Show, Julian “J-Rock” Williams, the WBA, IBF, and IBO super welterweight champion, opened up about his deep connection to Islam, the blessings of Ramadan, and why saying Alhamdulillah was the only response that felt right in the greatest moment of his life.
Julian Williams: An Unapologetically Muslim Champion
In a world where Islamophobia remains a serious challenge and many public figures shy away from openly expressing their faith, Julian Williams stands tall as a proud, unapologetic Muslim. Rather than celebrating his historic victory with chest bumps or self-glorification, he made sajdah — the prostration of gratitude — right there in the ring for the entire world to see. This act of humility echoed what the greatest men in history have always done: submit to God before all else.
“I always wanted — as Muslims, we’re supposed to keep ourselves in the remembrance of Allah at all times. That was literally the best moment of my life, and I was just so grateful that Allah blessed me with this win on this particular night. The only thing to do was thank Allah, because the blessing comes directly from Him.”
Faith, Patience, and the Power of Dua
Julian’s journey to the top was not overnight. He spoke candidly about the role of patience and prayer in his path to becoming a world champion. When the titles did not come when he first wanted them, he leaned deeper into his faith, made consistent dua (supplication), and focused on being the best Muslim he could be. His story is living proof that trusting in Allah’s timing and remaining steadfast in gratitude can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
- Sajdah of Gratitude: Julian prostrated on the canvas immediately after his hand was raised, demonstrating Islamic humility on the world stage
- Ramadan Mubarak: He wished the entire Muslim Ummah a blessed Ramadan, expressing that fasting was going “really, really good”
- Respect for His Opponent: Following the prophetic teachings of Islam, Julian showed honor and class toward his opponent and his opponent’s family after the fight
- Inspiration from Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali: Julian cited both Muslim icons as pillars of influence, especially admiring Ali’s courage outside the ring and his deep love for his people
- A Message for Youth: He urged young people to find their passion, never follow the crowd, and above all, believe in Allah
Walking in the Footsteps of Muhammad Ali
“I don’t have superpowers. I just have really good dedication, I’m a Muslim, I make plenty of duas, and I have strong faith — that’s it. If somebody looks at me, maybe they can do anything. It might not be boxing — it might be getting through school, becoming a doctor or a nurse. I want to be the inspiration for people to keep on going and keep on believing in themselves.”
Stay Humble, Stay Connected to God
Julian Williams also shared his admiration for fellow Muslim fighter Khabib Nurmagomedov and his famous motto: stay humble, stay connected to God, stay connected to prayer. This timeless advice, rooted in the teachings of Islam, resonates far beyond the world of boxing. Whether you are an athlete, a student, a parent, or anyone striving for excellence, the example set by Julian Williams during the blessed month of Ramadan reminds us all that true victory belongs to those who place their trust in Allah and never hesitate to say Alhamdulillah.
