Jaron Ennis Targets Undisputed At Welterweight: ‘I’ll Fight Anybody With A Belt’
IBF welterweight champion Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis says he is aiming to become undisputed at welterweight before moving up a division to chase down Terence Crawford.
Ennis (31-0-0 28 KO) returns to the ring, and his hometown of Philadelphia, on July 13 for the first defense of his IBF title against David Avanesyan at the Wells Fargo Center. Boots had held the interim title before being elevated to full champion in November when Crawford was stripped of the title following his move to super-welterweight, and therefore failing to fight mandatory challenger Ennis.
Ennis is widely regarded as one of the finest fighters on the planet, but the 27-year-old is yet to be fully tested against an elite opponent. Former European champion Avanesyan (30-4-1 18 KO) is a capable challenger but is not the sort of fighter who will do much to enhance Ennis’ reputation.
Unsurprisingly, Boots is targeting bigger and better things once he has dealt with Avanesyan, and wants to clean out the welterweight division ahead of stepping up to 154lbs.
Ennis Plans Super-Welterweight Move
“I’m not trying to be down here playing at 147 for too long,” Ennis said. “After this fight, I want to face everyone who has a belt. I want them all. I’ll fight anybody. I don’t care who it is. I’m going to do my thing regardless.
“I want to show the world my skills and abilities. I haven’t gotten into my bag yet. Nobody has seen the best of me. My advantage is everything. I can box and bang, fight orthodox or southpaw, have a great jab and defense. Whatever you need, I got it. I’m like a variety pack of chips.”
Ennis’ potential opponents on the road to undisputed could hinge on Crawford’s future plans. At present, ‘Bud’ still holds the WBA and WBO titles, with Eimantas Stannionis the WBA’s ‘Regular’ champion and Brian Norman Jr the WBO’s interim champion.
Should Crawford return to 147lbs after his super-welterweight world title bout against Israil Madrimov on August 3, it could set up a unification showdown with Ennis.
However, if Crawford remains at 154lbs, Stannionis and Norman will be elevated to full status, opening up the possibilities of unification bouts with Ennis. There is also WBC champion Mario Barrios, who himself was elevated from interim to full champion in Crawford’s absence.
Boots ‘Can’t Wait To Put On A Show’
“I am the only name that nobody calls at 147. I don’t think no man is scared of another man, but when you hear other people call everyone out, they don’t call me out,” Ennis said. “The only people that really call me out is somebody that’s irrelevant that nobody cares about.
“I want to have a great legacy and beat all of the best guys. I’m just getting started. I feel like I am getting in my prime. I know I can beat anybody they put in front of me.”
Ennis had initially been scheduled to fight Cody Crowley, but the Canadian withdrew due to injury. Ahead of his first bout since signing with Matchroom Boxing, Boots insists the change of opponent to Avanesyan has made little difference to his preparations.
“It wasn’t really too much of a change. It’s just another body in front of me. I am going to do whatever I do regardless,” Ennis said. “It’s a blessing. I can’t wait to put on a beautiful show and make a big knockout statement. I can’t wait to put on a show and display my talent. I am ready. I am super-prepared. I am in phenomenal shape. I am ready to rock and roll.”
