IBF welterweight champion Jaron Ennis was set to return to the ring and fight Cody Crowley in a first defence of his world title, but the undefeated Canadian challenger has instead been forced to withdraw from the bout and Ennis has already outlined his plans for a new dance partner.
Ennis has accumulated a impressive unbeaten record with 28 knockouts in his 31 wins to date, emerging as a future pound-for-pound contender and possibly a dominant champion at 147lbs.
‘Boots’ was upgraded from interim champion to full IBF world champion after Terence Crawford was stripped of the belt back in November. To begin his reign, the 26-year-old was poised to take on mandatory challenger Cody Crowley next month, ending Ennis’ one year spell of inactivity.
Unfortunately things have not gone to plan, as Crowley took to his Instagram to reveal that he has been forced to pull out of the event due to a damaged retina.
“Today, I met with my eye surgeon, who performed double eye surgery on me in November 2023. While I am pleased that my eyes continue to improve and heal, it still does not meet the minimum requirements set forth by the Pennsylvania Athletic Commission.
“The repaired retina in my right eye is experiencing fluid accumulation, causing distortion in my vision. As a result, the surgeon has not medically cleared me to fight on July 13.
“While I am devastated by this news, I have peace in my heart. A situation not in my control. Everything in my control, I’ve given 100% of myself to in preparation for this fight.
“Over the next few days and weeks, my team and I are meeting with world class eye doctors and surgeons to explore my options, so I can have a more clear path to get back to world class boxing at a championship level.”
However, Jaron Ennis then responded on his social media and confirmed that he would still be fighting in five weeks’ time, declaring his hope of taking on a ‘top contender’ on the same date, with official confirmation of a replacement expected imminently.
“If it’s Cody or not I will still be fighting a top contender on July 13 as planned! DON’T WORRY!”
This bout will not only be Ennis’ first as a defending champion, it will also be his debut under the Matchroom banner after signing with Eddie Hearn’s promotion earlier this year. Now it is time for Hearn to earn his money, as the search for a suitable challenger gets underway to save the July 13th Philadelphia card.
At present, a rematch with Karen Chukhadzhian appears to be the clear option, after the Ukrainian defeated Britain’s Harry Scarff last month to claim the IBF interim belt that previously belonged to Ennis, although the whitewash in their first encounter would make this a tough sale to fans.
Alternatively, David Avanesyan is a name being mentioned as he has previously worked with Hearn and would allow for a comparison between Ennis and Crawford – who knocked Avanesyan out in December 2022.
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