Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis will now make the first defence of his IBF welterweight title against former WBA interim and European champion David Avanesyan, after he stepped in to replace Cody Crowley.
It meant Ennis was searching for a new opponent to ensure his huge homecoming at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on July 13 could still go ahead, in his first world title defence after Terence Crawford was stripped of the IBF belt and Ennis was subsequently upgraded to full champion.
After seven days of worry, the event has been salvaged, after it was officially announced that Avanesyan will step in. much to the delight of ‘Boots.’
“Now that Crowley is officially not my opponent, I actually like Avanesyan as a better opponent. He will put up a better fight which will be what I want. July 13, don’t miss this beautiful, outstanding performance.”
Avanesyan fought Crawford back in December 2022, coming up short on that occasion, but does hold wins over the likes of Shane Mosley, Josh Kelly and Kerman Lejarraga, and he believes this will be his final chance to become world champion.
“I would like to thank Matchroom, Eddie Hearn, Frank Smith and Tom Dallas, the legal teams and my long-term manager Neil Marsh for this fantastic opportunity. Jaron Ennis is a world class boxer who I respect highly and is a potential huge star, and on July 13, we will find out if he is the real deal.
“When I received the call to go into a tremendous battle with such a highly rated fighters, I did not need to be asked twice, especially when it is for a world title. This is what I love, I am fit and strong and I am ready – let’s have it.
“I promise all fans I will give everything to win this world title, this is my last world title chance and I have to take it. I do respect Ennis and his career as he has been perfect, but he has what I want and need.”
Ennis is widely regarded as a future superstar of the sport, and fans will get to see if he can live up to the hype when he faces Avanesyan next month, live on DAZN.
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