Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis fights David Avanesyan this Saturday, January thirteenth, stay on DAZN, with the occasion beginning at 8:00 ET from the Wells Fargo Middle in Philadelphia. Avanesyan (30-4-1, 18 KOs) has been recruited by promoter Eddie Hearn to switch Cody Crowley on this Matchroom-promoted occasion.
The King of the Welterweight Division
Avanesyan, 35, is best recognized than Crowley and might nonetheless punch a lot laborious regardless of being out of motion for 2 years since his loss to Terence Crawford in 2022. His identify recognition is best, and that ought to rely for one thing in opposition to Boots, who hasn’t fought in a 12 months.
Now that Crawford has moved as much as 154 and isn’t anticipated to return to 147, that makes Boots Ennis the King of the welterweight division. He’s the highest #1 man, and if Crawford needs to regain his throne, which I don’t assume he’ll, he’ll have to return and face this younger phenom.
The welterweight is especially barren of names, and it’s been that approach. Earlier than Errol Spence Jr. and Crawford fought final 12 months in July, nobody was there however Boots Ennis to problem them, and neither was excited about combating him.
“I simply need to get myself again within the ring, and any individual goes to pay,” stated Jaron Ennis to Matchroom Boxing. “Me being off all this time [12 months]. It’s not going to have an effect on me. What I’m enthusiastic about is accumulating all of the belts and changing into undisputed. That’s why I’m excited.”
Overcoming Layoffs and Constructing Momentum
Boots Ennis mustn’t have any extra lengthy 1+ 12 months layoffs from the game as a result of it’ll be tough for him to grow to be a PPV attraction, as he competes yearly. Crawford bought away with it as a result of he’s been round for 16 years, and the extra big star, Spence, did him a giant favor by combating him.
“He’s positively an even bigger identify than Cody Crowley. He’s fought higher competitors than Cody Crowley. I positively assume it’s a greater struggle,” stated Boots Ennis about his substitute opponent Avanesyan.
Avanesyan is extra recognized to hardcore boxing followers than Crowley, however the casuals can’t inform the distinction. To them, they’ve by no means heard of both. If Boots Ennis needed to get the eye of followers, he would want Spence, Devin Haney, or Ryan Garcia. These guys aren’t going to struggle him.
A Higher Battle for the Followers
“That’s what I would like. He’s going to convey the struggle, and that’s what the followers need. That’s going to make for a fantastic present and a fantastic knockout,” stated Boots about Avanesyan. “What makes me the very best within the enterprise is I do every little thing in boxing right now. No matter you need, I bought it. I can’t wait. They’re going to see beat him up, break him down, and get a knockout.”
Ennis is true about Avanesyan bringing the struggle to him on Saturday as a result of that’s the one approach he is aware of the right way to struggle. Avanesyan can’t field, and if he had been to strive, Boots would dominate him.
“I believe it’s 50-50. He’s youthful and powerful. I believe this makes a superb struggle,” stated Avanesyan. “I have to cease him.”
Followers don’t see the Ennis vs. Avanesyan struggle as a “50-50” match-up. Avanesyan is seen as simply the substitute and isn’t anticipated to trigger Ennis any issues on Saturday.
Avanesyan does have energy, and he might create some points for Ennis if he can cling round lengthy sufficient to land his heavy short-range punches. Three years in the past, Avanesyan upset British Olympian Josh Kelly, knocking him out within the sixth spherical on February 2021 in London, England. Kelly’s profession hasn’t been the identical since.
“On July thirteenth, your champion will defend his IBF world title,” stated promoter Eddie Hearn.
