Ennis to defend 147 title vs. Avanesyan, who replaces Crowley
'Boot's headlines in hometown Philadelphia fight
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Jaron “Boots” Ennis has a new opponent for his first IBF welterweight title defense: David Avanesyan, a former WBA “regular” titlist.
They will meet in the main event of Matchroom Boxing card on July 13 (DAZN) at the Wells Fargo Center in Ennis’ hometown of Philadelphia in Ennis’ first bout since signing with the promotional company.
Ennis was due to fight mandatory challenger Cody Crowley (22-0, 9 KOs), 31, a Canadian southpaw fighting out of Las Vegas, but he was forced out of the bout last week. Crowley had what he called “double eye surgery,” including on his right retina, in November and had still not been medically cleared for the bout even though it was announced a month ago.
With Ennis (31-0, 28 KOs), 26, set for a homecoming main event — his first Philly fight since November 2018 — and Matchroom Boxing saying that more than 10,000 tickets have already been sold, the search was on for a replacement opponent.
Enter Avanesyan (30-4-1, 18 KOs), 35, a Russia native fighting out of England, who notched his biggest win in 2016 when he outpointed Hall of Famer Shane Mosley and sent him into retirement.
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“Now that Crowley is officially not my opponent, I actually like Avanesyan as a better opponent,” Ennis said. “He will put up a better fight which will be what I want. July 13, don’t miss this beautiful, outstanding performance.”
Avanesyan defended the WBA interim title against Mosley, was eventually elevated to “regular champion” status, and then lost it by unanimous decision in his first defense to Lamont Peterson in 2017.
In December 2022, Avanesyan got another title opportunity but got spectacularly knocked out in the sixth round as Terence Crawford retained the WBO title in front of an Omaha, Nebraska, hometown crowd.
Avanesyan has fought just once since, notching a fourth-round knockout in a scheduled six-rounder over Serge Ambomo, who dropped to 11-56-3, in December.
“Jaron Ennis is a world class boxer who I respect highly and is a potential huge star, and on July 13, we will find out if he is the real deal,” Avanesyan said. “When I received the call to go into a tremendous battle with such a highly rated fighter, I did not need to be asked twice, especially when it is for a World title. This is what I love. I am fit and strong and I am ready.
“I promise all fans I will give everything to win this world title. This is my last world title chance and I have to take it. I do respect Ennis and his career as he has been perfect, but he has what I want and need.”
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