PHILADELPHIA — Known to many as Boots, Jaron Ennis is making his mark as the IBF welterweight champion, a title he proudly holds as an undefeated fighter. At just 27 years old, this rising star is making waves in the boxing scene, particularly in his hometown of Philadelphia, which has shown its support enthusiastically. In July, he headlined an event at the Wells Fargo Center, drawing an impressive crowd of 14,119 fans, marking a significant occasion for the venue, known for hosting various sports teams.
Ennis reminisced about his favorite sports moments in Philadelphia, citing the Eagles’ Super Bowl victory and the Phillies’ World Series triumph in 2008 as monumental events. “Those are the biggest two moments in Philly history. We’re going to put this one up there, too,” he stated confidently, hinting at his aspirations for a similar legacy.
Set to defend his title yet again, Ennis will square off with Ukrainian fighter Karen Chukhadzhian, who has a record of 24-2, in a match that takes place in South Philadelphia this Saturday. This bout serves as a rematch, following Ennis’ unanimous decision victory over Chukhadzhian in January 2023. Additionally, he showcased his title prowess later that year by defeating Roiman Villa and beating David Avanesyan during a much-anticipated return to his hometown earlier this year.
Raised in Germantown, Philadelphia, Ennis has an impressive background, having been a Golden Gloves gold medalist during his amateur days. He turned professional in 2016, and with a record of 32 wins, 29 of those have come by knockout. His initial match with Chukhadzhian saw Ennis dominate, winning all three judges’ scorecards by 120-108 and marking the first time he went the full 12 rounds.
Promoted by Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing, ticket sales for the upcoming fight are on track to rival the previously mentioned record-setting attendance, indicating strong local support for the event. With his childhood nickname derived from his father’s boxing career, Ennis has embraced his identity within the boxing community.
Looking beyond his current title defenses, Ennis is eager for significant matches against renowned fighters like Errol Spence Jr., Terence Crawford, and even Canelo Alvarez. He has expressed interest in possibly moving up to the 154-pound weight class. The challenges posed by top welterweights have led to some frustrations, especially as Crawford seems focused on a future bout with Alvarez next year.
In a landscape where major boxing events have gravitated towards gimmicks or international venues such as Saudi Arabia, Philadelphia has an opportunity to reclaim its status in the boxing arena. The city’s talent, especially with homegrown fighters like Ennis, is promoting a revival. The recent fight at the Wells Fargo Center was its first since 2001 and the first championship bout since the arena opened in 1996.
With a history rich in boxing heritage, Philadelphia has hosted legendary boxers including Jack Dempsey, Rocky Marciano, and Joe Frazier. Ennis is committed to reestablishing the city as a key location for high-stakes boxing matches, envisioning the possibility of big names like Canelo making an appearance at local venues. “Who knows if Canelo will come to Philadelphia?” Ennis wondered aloud, hinting at the ambitious future he sees for himself and the sport in his city.
The Ennis fight will be available for viewers on DAZN, alongside a card featuring Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez defending his super flyweight championship against Pedro Guevara.