Ennis vs. Chukhadzhian 2 Fight Results: ‘Boots’ Scores UD In Philly

Ennis ’ lack of defense is a surprise to those blinded by some of his prior performances. He has good speed, power, and elite combinations. But even in some of his best fights, including his knockout win over Thomas Dulorme in October 2021, Ennis got caught flush with some heavy shots. As Boots has stepped up his level of competition, the chinks in the armor have emerged and must be addressed before facing the likes of Terence Crawford and even Vergil Ortiz Jr.

The 27-year-old Ennis defeated Chukhadzhian in a one-sided unanimous decision last year. However, he was forced to fight him again after the IBF named Chukhadzhian his mandatory challenger. Most boxing fans saw this as a step backward, but it was also an opportunity for Boots to prove the outcome of the first fight was more of a fluke. He arguably looked worse, and the hometown fans were primarily silent as the scorecards were read, while some booed the champ.

Getting jeered at is one thing, but when it happens in front of your own city, that’s a tough pill to swallow. According to Compubox, Ennis landed 224 of 730 punches (31%), but even more shocking was that Chukhadzhian emerged as the more accurate tactician in defeat. He landed 173 of 522 blows (33%).

Chukhadzhian (24-3, 13 KOs), 28, won three fights against lesser competition between the first Ennis fight and Saturday’s rematch, but it still wasn’t enough to earn a victory against the welterweight titlist. But compared to his first performance, which left fans panning his lack of forward aggression, Chukhadzhian’s stock had a solid rebound.

As for Boots, he may want to think twice about calling out some of the top dogs. Ennis was coming off a fifth-round TKO over perennial title contender David Avanesyan on July 13.