Hearn Denies Reports That Matchroom Will Release Ennis

Eddie Hearn has denied reports that Jaron Ennis will get released by Matchroom. 

Reports first emerged from a post on X, with suggestions that Ennis is unhappy with the promotion. Boots signed with Matchroom this year with the aim of securing the biggest fights and building his profile globally. He made the first defense of his IBF Welterweight Title by stopping David Avanesyan in his hometown of Philadelphia. After his win, Boots mentioned his desire for the big names. Talks began over a unification with Brian Norman Jr., the WBO Welterweight Champion.

Several offers were sent, the highest reportedly being $1.7 million. That was turned down, with Norman’s team wanting a reported $2.2 million. Both sides went their separate ways, while the IBF ordered Boots to defend against Karen Chukhadzhian. Ennis beat Chukhadzhian last year, making this an unappealing fight. Purse bids were called, but Matchroom lost by $250,000, showing their reluctance for that fight.

Hearn On Ennis

That means Ennis is likely to fight away from home and earn less. He could vacate the belt, which damages his undisputed ambitions at 147. Meanwhile, a move up to 154 is not so simple. Ennis has no belts, while there are several dangerous men in the division, such as Tim Tszyu and Vergil Ortiz Jr. That created the narrative that Ennis was unhappy. But Hearn denied this was the case.

“Just the most bizarre world we live in. Whatever you read on Twitter, 70%, maybe 80% of it is complete bollox. People think it’s actually true. We have signed one of the best talents in U.S. boxing, Boots. I couldn’t be prouder to represent him. We’ve just knocked in a 15,000 crowd in Philadelphia.

“On what planet would we be releasing Boots from his contract? No, never, not in a million years. That’s not what they meant with the Tweet. They said, ‘Matchroom is looking to release Boots Ennis.’ No. We’ve got a great relationship with Boots and Bozy. We’re definitely not going to be releasing him. His next fight will be in November, and it will be announced as early as Saturday, but probably early next week,” Hearn said 

Ennis’ Next Fight

Hearn did not mention any names of the opponent, but if it is not Chukhadzhian, fans will expect a big fight. A fight with Mario Barrios, the WBC Welterweight Champion, could present itself. However, reports indicated that he is keen on fighting Manny Pacquiao. Pacman is being linked with a return at 45, but no announcement has been made so far.

It is tough to see how Pacquiao could justify the fight ahead of Ennis. There is also the possibility of making a bout with the WBA Welterweight Champion, Eimantas Stanionis. Stanionis is undefeated with a 15-0 record, which includes nine knockouts. Hearn simply wanted to make the right move for his fighter. 

“We want to continue the success we had in Philadelphia. So, we’ll have to see. We’re speaking to Chukhadzhian’s team as well. We’ll have to see what’s next,” Hearn stated 

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