Jaron Ennis Retains IBF Welterweight Crown

Jaron Ennis, 27, retained his IBF world welterweight title with a fifth-round stoppage of David Avanesyan, solidifying his status as “the future of boxing.” Fighting for the first time in over a year at Philadelphia’s Wells Fargo Center, Ennis showcased his skill and power, despite taking some hits from the seasoned Russian challenger. He gradually took control after a competitive start, increasing the tempo from the third round, thrilling over 14,000 fans in his hometown.

In the fifth round, Ennis sent Avanesyan, 35, to the canvas, then unleashed a relentless attack until the round’s bell ended the fight. Avanesyan’s corner, guided by the ringside doctor’s advice, stopped the bout, marking Ennis’s 32nd consecutive victory. Post-fight, Ennis expressed satisfaction with his performance but noted, “I felt like my timing was a little off.” His promoter, Eddie Hearn, reinforced his potential, declaring, “If he thinks that performance was off, the world of boxing ought to be very, very afraid. He’s the future of boxing.”

Jaron Ennis now eyes a showdown with Terence Crawford, declaring, “I want the big names.” Meanwhile, on the undercard, Australia’s Skye Nicolson, 28, successfully defended her WBC featherweight title against Dyana Vargas of the Dominican Republic with a unanimous points victory. Nicolson, the 2018 Commonwealth Games gold medallist, dominated the bout, with judges scoring all ten rounds 100-90 in her favour. Despite her dominance, Nicolson struggled to land the decisive blows, maintaining her unbeaten streak and showcasing her prowess in the ring.