Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis fights David Avanesyan this Saturday, January thirteenth, reside 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 interchange Cody Crowley on this Matchroom-promoted occasion.
The King of the Welterweight Division
Avanesyan, 35, is best identified than Crowley and may nonetheless punch loads laborious regardless of being out of motion for 2 years since his loss to Terence Crawford in 2022. His title recognition is best, and that ought to rely for one thing in opposition to Boots, who hasn’t fought in a yr.
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 must return and face this younger phenom.
The welterweight is principally barren of names, and it’s been that method. Earlier than Errol Spence Jr. and Crawford fought final yr in July, nobody was there however Boots Ennis to problem them, and neither was fascinated with preventing him.
“I simply wish to get myself again within the ring, and any person goes to pay,” mentioned 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 turning into undisputed. That’s why I’m excited.”
Overcoming Layoffs and Constructing Momentum
Boots Ennis mustn’t have any extra lengthy 1+ yr layoffs from the game as a result of it’ll be tough for him to turn out 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 large star, Spence, did him an enormous favor by preventing him.
“He’s undoubtedly a much bigger title than Cody Crowley. He’s fought higher competitors than Cody Crowley. I undoubtedly assume it’s a greater combat,” mentioned Boots Ennis about his substitute opponent Avanesyan.
Avanesyan is extra identified 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 wished to get the eye of followers, he would wish Spence, Devin Haney, or Ryan Garcia. These guys aren’t going to combat him.
A Higher Combat for the Followers
“That’s what I would like. He’s going to carry the combat, and that’s what the followers need. That’s going to make for an attractive present and an attractive knockout,” mentioned Boots about Avanesyan. “What makes me one of the best within the enterprise is I do the whole lot in boxing immediately. 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 combat to him on Saturday as a result of that’s the one method he is aware of the best way to combat. Avanesyan can’t field, and if he have been to strive, Boots would dominate him.
“I feel it’s 50-50. He’s youthful and powerful. I feel this makes a very good combat,” mentioned Avanesyan. “I must cease him.”
Followers don’t see the Ennis vs. Avanesyan combat as a “50-50” match-up. Avanesyan is considered as simply the substitute and isn’t anticipated to trigger Ennis any issues on Saturday.
Avanesyan does have energy, and he may create some points for Ennis if he can grasp 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,” mentioned promoter Eddie Hearn.
