Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis fights David Avanesyan this Saturday, January 13th, live on DAZN, with the event starting at 8:00 ET from the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. Avanesyan (30-4-1, 18 KOs) has been recruited by promoter Eddie Hearn to replace Cody Crowley in this Matchroom-promoted event.
The King of the Welterweight Division
Avanesyan, 35, is better known than Crowley and can still punch plenty hard despite being out of action for two years since his loss to Terence Crawford in 2022. His name recognition is better, and that should count for something against Boots, who hasn’t fought in a year.
Now that Crawford has moved up to 154 and isn’t expected to return to 147, that makes Boots Ennis the King of the welterweight division. He is the top #1 guy, and if Crawford wants to regain his throne, which I don’t think he will, he’ll need to return and face this young phenom.
The welterweight is mainly barren of names, and it’s been that way. Before Errol Spence Jr. and Crawford fought last year in July, no one was there but Boots Ennis to challenge them, and neither was interested in fighting him.
“I just want to get myself back in the ring, and somebody is going to pay,” said Jaron Ennis to Matchroom Boxing. “Me being off all this time [12 months]. It’s not going to affect me. What I’m excited about is collecting all the belts and becoming undisputed. That’s why I’m excited.”
Overcoming Layoffs and Building Momentum
Boots Ennis mustn’t have any more long 1+ year layoffs from the sport because it’ll be difficult for him to become a PPV attraction, as he competes annually. Crawford got away with it because he’s been around for 16 years, and the more giant star, Spence, did him a big favor by fighting him.
“He’s definitely a bigger name than Cody Crowley. He’s fought better competition than Cody Crowley. I definitely think it’s a better fight,” said Boots Ennis about his replacement opponent Avanesyan.
Avanesyan is more known to hardcore boxing fans than Crowley, but the casuals can’t tell the difference. To them, they’ve never heard of either. If Boots Ennis wanted to get the attention of fans, he would need Spence, Devin Haney, or Ryan Garcia. Those guys aren’t going to fight him.
A Better Fight for the Fans
“That’s what I want. He’s going to bring the fight, and that’s what the fans want. That’s going to make for a beautiful show and a beautiful knockout,” said Boots about Avanesyan. “What makes me the best in the business is I do everything in boxing today. Whatever you want, I got it. I can’t wait. They’re going to see beat him up, break him down, and get a knockout.”
Ennis is right about Avanesyan bringing the fight to him on Saturday because that’s the only way he knows how to fight. Avanesyan can’t box, and if he were to try, Boots would dominate him.
“I think it’s 50-50. He’s younger and strong. I think this makes a good fight,” said Avanesyan. “I need to stop him.”
Fans don’t see the Ennis vs. Avanesyan fight as a “50-50” match-up. Avanesyan is viewed as just the replacement and is not expected to cause Ennis any problems on Saturday.
Avanesyan does have power, and he could create some issues for Ennis if he can hang around long enough to land his heavy short-range punches. Three years ago, Avanesyan upset British Olympian Josh Kelly, knocking him out in the sixth round on February 2021 in London, England. Kelly’s career hasn’t been the same since.
“On July 13th, your champion will defend his IBF world title,” said promoter Eddie Hearn.
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