Two world title fights will happen in Philadelphia on November 9 as Jaron “Boots” Ennis defends the IBF welterweight title in his hometown towards obligatory challenger Karen Chukhadzhian and Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez defends his RING/WBC junior bantamweight titles towards Pedro Guevara.
The occasion, which can happen on the Wells Fargo Heart, can be promoted by Matchroom Boxing and can air reside on DAZN.
The struggle would be the second straight for Ennis (32-0, 29 knockouts) in entrance of his dwelling followers, following his Matchroom debut this previous July when he stopped David Avanesyan after 5 rounds in what was his first title protection. Previous to that, Ennis hadn’t fought in Philadelphia since he was a younger prospect in 2018.
Ennis and Chukhadzhian fought as soon as earlier than, in January of 2023, with Ennis profitable an uninspiring shutout over 12 rounds. Since then, the 28-year-old Ukrainian Chukhadzhian has received three straight fights in Europe towards restricted opposition. A handbag bid was held earlier this month, with Chukhadzhian’s promoter P2M Field profitable the bid over Matchroom, which spurred rumors that Ennis would vacate the title and transfer to 154 kilos. As an alternative, Ennis will stay at 147 kilos, with a launch stating that he nonetheless has designs on turning into the undisputed champion of the division.
“I’m excited to be again headlining in my metropolis once more,” mentioned Ennis in a launch. “I’m able to proceed dominating the division, making an enormous assertion and displaying everybody why I’m the most effective Welterweight on the earth!
“It’s time to have some enjoyable, hold crushing whoever is in entrance of me, placed on a stupendous, dominant, crushing efficiency in entrance of my household, mates and supporters, whereas defending and retaining my IBF world title in spectacular style. It’s time!”
“I’ll have sufficient time to arrange and present a stupendous and spectacular struggle! Champ, prepare for the battle, it will likely be sizzling!,” added Chukhadzhian (24-2, 13 KOs).
Rodriguez (20-0, 13 KOs) can be returning to motion for the primary time since his knockout win over former pound for pound candidate Juan Francisco Estrada in June, dealing with interim WBC titleholder Pedro Guevera.
“My belts aren’t going wherever! And nonetheless!,” mentioned the San Antonio native Rodriguez, who’s rated no. 5 pound for pound by The Ring
Guevara (42-4-1, 22 KOs) earned the appropriate to face Rodriguez following his upset break up determination win over Andrew Moloney in Could. The 35-year-old from Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico has solely misplaced to world champion stage boxers in his 16-year profession and has received two straight since his break up determination loss to Carlos Cuadras final November.
“I’m telling you instantly that I’m going to arrange to placed on a battle and an incredible present and to win on November 9 in Philadelphia. I’m going with the whole lot and for the whole lot, Viva Mexico and Viva Mazatlan, Sinaloa,” mentioned Guevara.
