Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis says he’s ready to make a statement in his first defense of his IBF welterweight title next month against substitute opponent David Avanesyan on July 13th on DAZN at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.
Avanesyan (30-4-1, 18 KOs) was chosen by Ennis’ new promoter, Eddie Hearn, as the challenger to replace the originally scheduled opponent, Cody Crowley, who was forced to pull out because of a medical problem.
Hearn states that the opponent had to be a contender ranked in the IBF’s top 15, which ruled out Rashidi Ellis being used as a replacement. He felt that the 35-year-old Avanesyan was the best option for Boots Ennis because he was well-known for his unsuccessful title challenge against WBO welterweight champion Terence Crawford in December 2022.
Hearn’s Plan for Ennis’ Stardom
Matchrooom Boxing promoter Hearn wants to turn Boots into a star as quickly as possible and set him up with a fight against Crawford before the Nebraska native retires from the sport. That would be the ideal way for Ennis to become a PPV attraction, as he would have to beat the old lion Crawford before he hangs up his gloves.
Unfortunately, Crawford wants nothing to do with Boots Ennis, and some believe he sees the writing on the wall against this guy, who is viewed as a better, stronger, younger version of him.
Ennis’ Opportunity to Shine
“Cody is a good fighter, but Avanesyan, I think it’s a tougher fight. Obviously, has greater credentials than Crowley, but Cody Crowley was undefeated,” said promoter Eddie Hearn to YSM Sports Media, discussing the replacement opponent for IBF welterweight champion Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis on July 13th in Philadelphia.
“The thing about Avanesyan is he’s very strong and very game. You saw when he fought Crawford. He doesn’t take any backward steps, and it’s a real fight. I felt Avanesyan was the toughest fight, and he would come to fight. Rashidi Ellis isn’t in the IBF’s rankings. So, we had to pick somebody in the top 15.”
Avanesyan has been out of the ring for two years since his loss to Crawford in 2022, making it difficult to assess how good a replacement this fighter is for Ennis.
While it’s true that #13 IBF Avanesyan is well-known to boxing fans who follow Crawford, he’s not been active and is in his mid-30s, and he is not as good an option as some of the higher-ranked contenders in the IBF’s rankings.
“Shakhram Giyasov, the Japanese fighter [Jin Sasaki], and Gabriel Valenzuela,” said Hearn about other options that were potential replacement opponents to face Boots Ennis on July 13th after Crowley pulled out.
2016 Olympian Giyasov (15-0, 9 KOs) would have been a more exciting replacement opponent for Boots Ennis to fight than the 35-year-old inactive Avanesyan.
7/13 🐺 WE ON THAT ! 🤐 #STATEMENT #PIACTour⚰️ 32-0 😈 #ANDSTILL🤴🏾 pic.twitter.com/nuVj4XegHp
— Boots (@JaronEnnis) June 28, 2024
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