Jaron Ennis successfully defended his IBF Welterweight Title with a spectacular performance to stop David Avanesyan before the sixth round on his Philadelphia homecoming.
Ennis was fighting in front of a packed-out crowd at the Wells Fargo Center with around 14,000 fans. Boots also was fighting for the first time on DAZN, following his deal with Matchroom Boxing. He had to put on a strong performance, which he did, showing the gulf in class between the two fighters. Prior to the fight, Ennis highlighted his aim to dominate the division.
Pre-Fight
“I’m excited to get in the ring and put on a beautiful show, have fun, look good, pick apart Avanesyan, break him down and beat him up for the knockout to get the ball rolling. Saturday night is going to be a statement. I am putting 147 pounds on notice.
“[And] I want what is best for my career. I like how Eddie Hearn moves his fighters. [And] I like the things he does and the way he treats his guys. I just went that way. I like how Eddie does the talking for me. I’m glad I got Eddie behind me. That makes a perfect pair.
“It is what it is. It was out of my control. I definitely didn’t want to win the belt that way. I’d rather beat the man than be handed his belt. There is nothing I could do about it. I would hope [to fight Crawford by 2025]. He’s at 154 trying to get belts and my main goal is to be an undisputed champion at 147, but in the future, yeah. I want to fight the best guys and top guys, but you see how those things went,” Ennis said
Ennis Dominates
In the opening round, Ennis was pressing the action. He landed on Avanesyan’s body with his jabs as the challenger sought to curl up on the defensive. A low blow from Ennis meant Avanesyan hit the canvas. However, he was given a break before the action resumed. Boots was now imposing his size and physicality.
He cracked Avanesyan with numerous uppercuts in round three. The fight was soon over in round five. Just as Avanesyan landed his best shot with a right uppercut, Boots countered with a left as the challenger hit the deck. Avanesyan beat the count and made it to the bell. But the ringside doctor waved off the fight.
Ennis wanted the big names, even stating he could move up to 154 to fight Terence Crawford. As for Avanesyan, this is the second time he has missed out on a welterweight title after losing to Crawford in 2022 for the WBO strap.
“I felt good. I felt off a little bit,” Ennis said after the fight. “I think I had a little ring rust. … My timing was a little off. I don’t know why I came in here thinking my timing was going to be off. But it’s OK. I’m in shape and could have gone 15 rounds easy. Most definitely, let’s make it happen. I want the big names. Terence Crawford or anybody else at that weight that has a big names,” Boot said
Full Card
Jaron “Boots” Ennis (c) beat David Avanesyan with a TKO in round 5 for the IBF welterweight title.
Skye Nicolson (c) beat Dyana Vargas by unanimous decision (100-90, 100-90, 100-90) for the WBC featherweight title.
Khalil Coe beat Manuel Gallegos with a TKO in round 2 (1:59) in a light heavyweight fight.
Jalil Major Hackett beat Peter Dobson by unanimous decision (97-93, 97-93, 96-94) in a welterweight fight.
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