Emiliano Vargas and Ben Whittaker have vowed to dazzle on the very biggest stage, as their fights on the undercard of the blockbuster showdown between Xander Zayas and Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis are announced for Saturday June 27 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY, exclusively live worldwide on DAZN – with Vargas facing Bryce Mills for the WBC USA Silver, WBO Latino and NABF Jr. Super-Lightweight titles and Whittaker meeting Richard Rivera for the WBC Silver Light-Heavyweight title.

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW AT TICKETMASTER.COM
Vargas’s clash with Mills acts as the co-main event on the card, and it’s another spotlight moment for the Californian starlet who has had an incredible year already. The 22 year old began 2026 with a starring role alongside Zayas in Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show in Santa Clara in February, shortly after being named as The Ring’s 2025 prospect of the year ahead of his return to the ring later that month where he forced the retirement of Agustin Quintana after nine rounds of their co-main clash on another huge card, the unification showdown between Emanuel Navarrete and Sugar Nunez in Glendale, Arizona.

Vargas (17-0 14 KOs) will be looking for the 18th victory of his blossoming career in the Big Apple, but Mills (22-1 9 KOs) will have other ideas. The Liverpool, NY man fights for the third time in 2026 and defends the WBC belt that he won in February at Turning Stone in Verona with a fourth round stoppage of Tobias Green, and successfully defended the strap two months later in Rochester by forcing Julio Rosa to retire after three rounds of their clash.

“I have had an incredible start to the year, and I have no intention of slowing down,” said Vargas. “On June 27 at Barclays Center, I will step onto the biggest stage of my career on DAZN PPV, ready to seize this opportunity and make it clear to every champion in the division: “El General” is coming! ¡Vengo por todo!”

Whittaker (11-0-1 8 KOs) makes his American debut on June 27 and does so hot on the heels of a second emphatic first round KO win under the Matchroom banner. The 2020 Olympic silver medal man destroyed Braian Suarez in Liverpool a fortnight ago to rubber-stamp his trip Stateside, five months after making his promotional debut under Eddie Hearn with a late contender for KO of the year in his Birmingham, close to his Wolverhampton hometown.

The flashy Brit could make a big statement with a third KO in a row on his bow across the pond and send a message to the 175lb division – the exact same prize on offer for Rivera if he can hand a first pro defeat to his 28 year old foe. Rivera (27-2 20 KOs) steps back through the ropes for the first time since landing a first round KO win of his own in January 2025 in Connecticut, a second win in a row following a ten round triumph in his home state in April 2024, and ‘Popeye’ will be relishing his biggest stage since being edged out by Badou Jack in Saudi Arabia on the undercard of the World Heavyweight unification rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua in August 2022.

“I am really excited to make my American debut in the Big Apple on such a big card,” said Whittaker. “I’ve got a lot of love for the American fans, and we’ve developed a great relationship over recent years, so I can’t wait to get out there and put on a spectacular performance for them.”

“The British are coming, the British are coming!” said Rivera. “If Ben thinks he is going to my backyard to make a statement, history will repeat itself. I’m not gonna need a can of spinach for this fight. Ben might have the boxing world fooled, but I’m not convinced.”

A third fight announced for the undercard sees Jahi Tucker (16-1-1 7 KOs) take on Euri Cedeno (14-0-1 12 KOs) over ten rounds for the vacant IBF North American, WBC USA and WBO NABO Middleweight titles, with more undercard action to be announced in due course, all ahead of a stunning main event as Zayas puts his unified WBO and WBA World Super-Welterweight titles on the line against former unified Welterweight ruler Ennis.

(April 27, 2026) — The Puerto Rican star who began as a teenage prodigy and developed into a unified world champion is continuing his journey with the team that believed in him from the start.

Xander Zayas has signed a multi-year contract extension with Top Rank, keeping boxing’s youngest current two-belt titleholder with the promotional powerhouse as he enters the biggest fight of his career thus far.

The 23-year-old Zayas will defend his WBO/WBA super welterweight world titles against former unified welterweight world champion Jaron Ennis on Saturday, June 27 in Brooklyn, New York LIVE on DAZN PPV.

“We signed Xander at 16 and have watched him grow from a gifted teenager into a unified world champion,” said Top Rank President Todd duBoef. “He won his first world title at 22, unified in his first defense, and is now preparing for the biggest fight of his career thus far. This successful partnership has grown his profile throughout the sports world and reinforces our confidence in Xander’s future.”

“I’m blessed to continue representing Puerto Rico at the highest level of the sport with Top Rank,” said Zayas. “Thank you for all these years and for giving me the opportunity to grow and bring glory to my country and family. Now it’s time to keep collecting victories and championships for many more years with the Top Rank family.”

“Xander’s path is a testament to Top Rank’s ability to develop talent the right way,” said Peter Kahn, Zayas’ manager. “We signed with them when he was just 16, and they’ve done a great job guiding him into a unified world champion. They also understand the Latino audience better than any promoter in boxing. Extending this partnership was the right strategic move as we now focus on more unifications, multiple divisions, global events, and defining Xander as one of the faces of the sport while building a lasting legacy at the highest level.”

Zayas (23-0, 13 KOs) made history in March 2019 when he signed with Top Rank at age 16, becoming the youngest fighter ever added to the company’s roster. He steadily developed into one of the sport’s top young contenders, capturing regional titles in 2022 with victories over Elias Espadas and Alexis Salazar before rising to the No. 1 position in the WBO rankings. In July 2025, he defeated Jorge Garcia to capture the WBO super welterweight world title less than two months shy of his 23rd birthday. In his first defense, he became the first Puerto Rican to unify world titles on the island by outpointing WBA champion Abass Baraou in January.

NEW YORK – April 21, 2026 – DAZN, the world’s leading sports streaming platform, announced four additional boxing events headlined by five world champions and four undefeated rising stars, further elevating the company’s presence as the undisputed global home of boxing. The extensive spring and summer schedule encompasses roughly 20 bouts each week through June, culminating in the highly anticipated Xander Zayas vs. Jaron “Boots” Ennis on June 27, live from Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

With less than two weeks to go until the boxing world sets its eyes on a marquee Las Vegas matchup featuring David Benavidez and Zurdo Ramirez, the newest of DAZN’s robust offerings include Naoya Inoue vs. Junto Nakatani; Keyshawn Davis vs. Nahir Albright; O’Shaquie Foster vs. Raymond Ford, and Jesse Rodriguez vs. Antonio Vargas.

“At DAZN we are always looking to stream the best fights,” said DAZN’s CEO of Growth Markets, Pete Oliver. “After getting off to a stellar start in 2026 with some incredible fight nights, we continue to push the needle, giving fans – particularly here in the U.S.— unbeatable fight nights that further cement DAZN as the undisputed global home of boxing. Last week’s announcements and our agreements with TNT Sports and Top Rank is evidence of our progress.”

Adding to the excitement of DAZN’s unprecedented 2026 boxing schedule, the platform is also set to debut its monthly live boxing series, The Fight, in collaboration with TNT Sports, debuting on July 4 thanks to the groundbreaking U.S. partnership that will see monthly fight nights aired on TNT Sports’ U.S. networks and streamed globally on DAZN.

As a reminder, boxing fans can stay up-to-date on the latest storylines, previews, analysis, and more with Inside the Ring – DAZN’s premier boxing show hosted by legendary sports commentator Max Kellerman, The Ring Magazine’s senior reporter Mike Coppinger, and high-profile guests from across the sport. New episodes air every Monday and are included with a DAZN subscription. 

For DAZN’s full slate of events, please see HERE and schedule highlights below: 

UPCOMING EVENTS ON DAZN

Saturday, April 25

Jarrell Miller vs. Lenier Pero 

Las Vegas, Nevada 

Saturday, April 25

Jacob Bank vs. Paulinus Ndjolonimu 

Kolding, Denmark 

Wednesday, April 29

Skye Nicholson vs. Mariah Turner 

Melbourne, Australia 

Friday, May 1

Keyshawn Davis vs. Nahir Albright 

Norfolk, Virginia

Saturday, May 2

Naoya Inoue vs. Junto Nakatani 

Tokyo, Japan

Saturday, May 2

David Benavidez vs. Ramirez

Las Vegas, Nevada 

Included in DAZN Ultimate

Saturday, May 9

Fabio Wardley vs. Daniel Dubois

Manchester, United Kingdom

Included in DAZN Ultimate

Saturday, May 9

Angelo Leo vs. Ra’eese Aleem 

College Park, Maryland

Saturday, May 16

Dave Allen vs. Serhii Hrgovic 

Las Vegas, Nevada 

Saturday, May 23

Glory in Giza: Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven 

Pyramids of Giza, Egypt 

Included in DAZN Ultimate 

Saturday, May 30

O’Shaquie Foster vs. Raymond Ford

Houston, Texas

Saturday, June 6

Dalton Smith vs. Alberto Puelo 

Sheffield, United Kingdom 

Saturday, June 13

Jesse Rodriguez vs. Antonio Vargas

Glendale, Arizona

Saturday, June 13

Tommy Fury vs. Eddie Hall

Manchester, United Kingdom 

Saturday, June 27

Xander Zayas vs. Jaron Ennis

Brooklyn, New York

Included in DAZN Ultimate

Last week’s fight announcements are just the latest example of DAZN’s robust offerings to viewers around the globe, particularly U.S. boxing fans, accentuated by the platform’s recent partnership with TNT Sports and multi-year media rights deal with Top Rank. The platform has also seen tremendous growth across sports as a whole, notably serving as the home for NFL Game Pass outside the U.S. Additionally, DAZN is the go-to provider for European football, exclusive home of NHL.TV in nearly 200 countries, global broadcast home of the NASCAR Euro Series (excluding the Netherlands and Romania), allowing fans to watch every race and championship in English, and most recently, the global home for NCAA March Madness in 40+ countries for free. Last summer, DAZN also made waves as the exclusive rights holder for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, providing access to fans for free around the globe. 

To take advantage of all DAZN has to offer, boxing fans can subscribe to DAZN Ultimate, ensuring access to 185+ fight nights and a minimum of 12 pay-per-views (PPV) per year.

ABOUT DAZN

DAZN, the world’s leading sports entertainment platform, streams over 110,000 live events annually and is available in more than 200 markets worldwide.? DAZN is the global home of European football, women’s football, boxing, and MMA, as well as the NFL internationally. The platform features the biggest sports and leagues from around the world – Bundesliga, Serie A, La Liga, Ligue 1, Formula 1, NBA, Moto GP, and many more, including FIFA Club World Cup 2025. DAZN is transforming the way people enjoy sport. With a single, frictionless platform, sports fans can watch, play, buy, and connect. Live and on-demand sports content, anywhere, in any language, on any device – only on DAZN.? DAZN is a global, privately owned company, founded in 2016, with more than 4,000 employees. For more information on DAZN, our products, people, and performance, visit? www.dazngroup.com.

By Norm Frauenheim

Youth defines Xander Zayas and will continue to do so through at least his challenging date against Jaron “Boots” Ennis in an intriguing crossroads fight for both.

For the 23-year-old Zayas, it looms as an early milestone, a measure of maturity in his career path from a high school kid with a Top Rank contract.

For the 28-year-old Ennis, it’s an opportunity to finally deliver on his long-advertised potential, including a place among pound-for-pound contenders.

It’s compelling, mostly because it’s a steppingstone, a stage for the future. For now, it looks as if the key to that future is there for Ennis. 

Seemingly, he’s been emerging for years, always at the edge of crashing the pound-for-pound party but never quite getting there perhaps because of inactivity or Terence Crawford’s long reign of dominance.

Crawford is retired. The formal announcement this week of Ennis’ 154-pound bout June 27 at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center is a sign of renewed possibilities in a very active division. Never has Ennis had a better chance to announce his arrival. He talked as if he knew that at a formal news conference this week

“I think Xander bit off way more than he can chew,’’ Ennis, a former unified welterweight champion, said Wednesday in Brooklyn. “Come fight night, he’ll see. I’m going to show everyone that I’m the best in the world.”

Betting odds suggest that’s exactly what Ennis will do. He’s about a 3-to-1 favorite. By knockout?

“For sure,” Ennis said.

Given the difference in their ages, it’s an irony that Ennis, 1-0 at 154, is the challenger. With two pieces of the junior-middleweight title, Zayas is boxing’s youngest current champion.

But youth, often called fickle, might be Zayas’ problem against Ennis, who at 147 occupied and conquered bigger stages. That, at least, is a theory, one that helps explain the early odds.

“There’s levels to this and I’m going to show him that,’’ Ennis said. “It’s about legacy for me. I want to show the world why I’m the best.”

Legacy is one of the most overused words in sport. As Ennis enters his prime, however, he might have a better understanding of what it means than Zayas, still more prodigy than legend. For Ennis, legacy is now. For Zayas, it’s tomorrow.

Despite the promise and plaudits attached to champions barely out of their teens, the experience can often be a crucible.

David Benavidez, a Phoenix-forged fighter, is just the latest example. Benavidez — a former two-time champion, yet still unbeaten – won his first 168-pound title when he was 20, making him the youngest champion in the history of the super-middleweight division. He beat Ronald Gavril in 2017. Then, the belt was stripped because of a positive drug test.

A couple of years later, Benavidez regained the title, stopping Andre Dirrell.

In his first defense of his second title in 2020, an overweight Benavidez lost it on the scale and then took out his frustration with a punishing stoppage of Roamer Alexis Angulo. He was 23-0, 23 years-old and – yet suddenly — a two-time ex-champion without a loss on the ledger. Growing-up is hard to do.

Benavidez has. In what is still an evolving career, he has moved beyond 168 and Canelo Alvarez to a prime-time resume that includes a light-heavyweight belt and a much-anticipated Cinco de Mayo date May 2 in a bid to take Gilberto “Zurdo’’ Ramirez’ cruiserweight titles. He’s added a commanding personal presence to his command of the ring.

For Zayas, however, there are lessons from Benavidez’ formative years. There are also a couple of notable parallels: Zayas is 23-0 and 23-years-old. Welcome to the crucible.

Ennis wasn’t the only one to talk legacy Wednesday. Zayas did too.

“It’s always been about legacy,’’ said Zayas, a Puerto Rican living in Florida who grew up wanting to be Miguel Cotto in a Puerto Rican lineage that also includes Wilfredo Benitez, a 17-year-old champion, still the youngest ever. “Becoming the youngest world champion at 22 when I did it. Youngest unified world champion. And now fighting one of the best in the world in the division. It’s about legacy.’’

Maybe lessons, too. 

BROOKLYN, NY, April 8, 2026 – Today, in the heart of Brooklyn, NY at Barclays Center, WBO and WBA Junior Middleweight World Champion Xander Zayas (23-0 13 KOs) and challenger, Philadelphia’s Jaron “Boots” Ennis (35-0 31 KOs), took to the stage to discuss their June 27 bout. The blockbuster fight is streaming live and exclusively on DAZN PPV, brought to boxing fans around the globe by Matchroom in association with Top Rank.

While Ennis aims to cement his status as a two-weight unified champion, the 23-year-old Zayas most recently unified both titles earlier this year in Puerto Rico after an exhilarating contest that yielded a split decision with Abass Baraou.The outcome notably solidified Zayas as the youngest unified ruler in the sport and the first Puerto Rican to unify at the weight. 

Below is what the fighters and their teams had to say:

Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Chairman 

On how he’s feeling that the fight came together… 

“I still can’t believe it. One of the hardest jobs in boxing is to get Jaron “Boots” Enis fights. The great news is, thanks to the DAZN partnership with Top Rank, we started talking and all of sudden we said ‘I think we can make Xander Zayas versus Jaron Boots Ennis.’ I’m still in shock and I give the unbelievable credit that Xander deserves because he is a great fighter. He must have a massive set of cojones because what’s about to happen on June 27th is one of the toughest tasks in boxing.”

On not believing Xander would take the fight…   

“Dangerous, not just dangerous for him but dangerous for Boots because this kid is 23 and he’s one of the hottest young stars in the sport. I would be keeping him away from Jaron. If I represented Xander Zayas, there is no way I would let him take this fight. I’d be saying ‘listen, we’ll go to MSG, we’ll fill that out and we’ll do another homecoming fight in Puerto Rico. We’ll have Bad Bunny singing you out. We’ll milk it. We’ll do this, we’ll move up to middleweight, we’ve got years. But this fight is what boxing needs.’”

Todd DuBoef, President, Top Rank

On having their first major event with DAZN on the Calendar…

“We have a saying: ‘This is boxing.’ And I’m going to tell you something. This fight, this is boxing. This is what it’s about. Young kids, in their prime, going at it, putting it all on the line, and win or lose, they both win. That’s what makes this sport so great.”

On what he’s seen over the last year that’s put Xander in this position…  

“The confidence. We got Xander when he was so young, he was sitting in my office, he was like ‘Miguel Coto’. I just idolize ‘Miguel Coto’. But to see him physically mature, to see his intellect in the ring, to get used to the ups and downs, and then once you win that title, you just expand your horizon, you get more confidence, and he had so much confidence he goes after the boogieman, the guy that nobody wants to fight. We’re not holding him back, we’re letting the race car go.”

Jaron “Boots” Ennis  

On his mindset coming into this fight… 

“I think Xander bit off way more than he can chew. Come fight night, he’ll see. I’m going to show everyone that I’m the best in the world.”

On what he thinks made Xander take this fight… 

“You can watch my fights but when you get in the ring it’s a whole different story. I’m faster than you think. I’m stronger and I have a better IQ, too. He’s going to be in for a long night.” 

On the split of the money… 

“If he’s so confident, why didn’t he take the 55-45 split for the winner? I think that shows a lot. There’s levels to this and I’m going to show him that. It’s about legacy for me. I want to show the world why I’m the best and I believe in myself.”

On if the fight will end in a knockout… 

“For sure.” 

Xander Zayas 

On why this fight against Boots Ennis had to happen for him… 

“It’s always been about legacy. Becoming the youngest world champion at 22 when I did it. Youngest unified world champion. And now fighting one of the best in the world in the division. It’s about legacy. Anybody could have taken the easy route and just get an easy win and that’s it. I want to fight the best. I want to show that I’m the best every time I step into the ring. And that’s what I’m going to do on June 27.” 

On Ennis being a weight bully… 

“Because he has, I mean, everybody at 147 was always smaller than them. He was a big cop. 54 is different. You got these guys coming from 190 from 181, 85, 200. It’s different.”

What are his advantages in this fight against Ennis…

“Everything. I mean, [Ennis] has never faced an athletic fighter like me.”

On how the fight ends… 

“I never go out there looking for the knockout. But I promise I’m going to rip his heart out. I guarantee you that. He’s going to be uncomfortable. I’m going to show you come June 27.”  

Todd DuBoef, President, Top Rank

On having their first major event with DAZN on the Calendar…

“We have a saying: this is boxing. And I’m going to tell you something. This fight, this is boxing. This is what it’s about. Young kids, in their prime, going at it, putting it all on the line, and win or lose, they both win. That’s what makes this sport so great.”

On what he’s seen over the last year that’s put Xander in this position…  

“The confidence. We got Xander when he was so young, he was sitting in my office, he was like ‘Miguel Coto’. I just idolize ‘Miguel Coto’. But to see him physically mature, to see his intellect in the ring, to get used to the ups and downs, and then once you win that title, you just expand your horizon, you get more confidence, and he had so much confidence he goes after the boogieman, the guy that nobody wants to fight. We’re not holding him back, we’re letting the race car go.”

Javiel Centeno, Zayas’ Trainer

On Zayas wanting to fight Ennis…

“We’ve talked about Jaron Ennis in the past, and we’ve always been in agreement on things we’ve seen that we can take advantage of. Xander said this is the time to do it, and as a team we decided to take the fight.”

Bozy Ennis, Jaron’s Father and Trainer

On his thoughts for the June 27 fight…

“I think [Zayas] bit off too much. Boots can box and he can fight you inside. I want [Zayas] to take him [Zayas] to another level because Boots has so many different levels he can get to.”

Xander Zayas will defend his WBO and WBA World Junior Middleweight titles against Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York on Saturday June 27, live and exclusive on DAZN PPV, in an event brought to you by Matchroom in association with Top Rank.

Zayas (23-0 13 KOs) unified the titles in January in Puerto Rico in a thrilling contest with Abass Baraou via split decision, becoming the youngest unified ruler in the sport and the first Puerto Rican to unify at the weight. The popular 23 year old returns to New York for his ninth fight in the Big Apple and does so just a month shy of a year since winning his first World title at The Theater at Madison Square Garden, dominating Jorge Garcia Perez to claim the vacant WBO belt.

Ennis (35-0 31 KOs) is looking to become a two-weight unified champion – and does so after just one fight, and one round, up at his new weight. The Philadelphia star unified the Welterweight division in April with a destructive beating of Eimantas Stanionis in Atlantic City to add the WBA strap to his IBF crown, and the 28 year old, who turns 29 the day before the bout with Zayas, signaled his intentions at 154lbs in his debut at the weight, destroying Uisma Lima inside a round on home turf, grabbing the interim WBA title in the process.

“Long before I became a World champion,” said Zayas. “I always sought to face the biggest challenges in my division I have never shied away from a fight and have always been willing to test my skills against anyone.

“Now, as the unified champion, I am ready to defend my world titles against one of the sport’s biggest names. I have always believed in myself, and on June 27, I will continue to show the world what is possible when you dare to be great!”

“Time to step and collect these belts!” said Ennis. “Knocking them down one by one! #AndTheNew.”

“Zayas vs. Boots is everything fans want in a summer blockbuster — two elite level champions, fighting for multiple world titles, staged in an iconic backdrop, New York,” said Alfie Sharman, VP of DAZN. “This matchup is a statement moment for global boxing, and we’re thrilled to deliver it live and exclusive on DAZN. June 27 will be a night where the best fight the best, and fans around the world won’t want to miss it.”

“What a fight!” said Ennis’ promoter and Matchroom Chairman, Eddie Hearn. “I’m thrilled to be able to get this fight made for Jaron – this is exactly the kind of occasion that brings the very best out of a future pound-for-pound #1. Boots shone so brightly against Stanionis in Atlantic City in his first unification fight, and I expect him to light up Brooklyn on June 27.

“But Xander is a special fighter in his own right, and huge props go to him for wanting to fight the very best – Brooklyn has a special fight on it’s hands this summer, and I am counting down the days already.”

“We signed Xander at 16 and have seen him develop into the sport’s youngest current unified champion and a budding superstar,” said Zayas’ promoter and President of Top Rank, Todd duBoef. “Facing the best has always been Xander’s priority, and ‘Boots’ Ennis provides Xander with the next step to prove greatness in only his second title defense.

“The matchup pits boxing’s elite young talent who want to emerge as a pound-for-pound king and entertain the sports world. We’re proud to work alongside Matchroom and DAZN to bring this meaningful fight to a global audience from Barclays Center on June 27.”

“Barclays Center is a premier destination for the biggest nights in boxing and continues to serve as a global stage for the sport’s most exciting talent, a tradition we’re proud to continue with this incredible matchup,” said Laurie Jacoby, Chief Entertainment Officer, Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment. “From championship bouts and global sporting events, Barclays Center has built a reputation for delivering unforgettable nights that resonate far beyond Brooklyn, reflecting our ongoing commitment to bringing world-class competition and must-see moments to our fans.” 

Information on the launch press conference, ticket on sale dates and the undercard will be released in due course.

PHILADELPHIA--Jaron Ennis won the WBA Interim Super Welterweight title with a first round anhelation of Uisma Lima at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia

Early in round one, Ennis landed a right hook that rocked Lima and after a wicked flurry sent Lima to the canvas. The fight was basically over as Lima was dropped again from vicious flurry. With Lima in serious trouble, Ennis opened up with another barrage of punches in the corner and referee Shawn Clark stopped the bout at 1:58.

Ennis Of Philadelphia is 35-0 with 31 knockouts. Lima of Portugal is now 14-2.

Vianello Stops Barriere in Five

Guido Vianello stopped Alexis Barriere in round five of their 10-round heavyweight bout.

In round four, Vianello landed two hard rights on the ropes that was followed up by a flurry that put Barriere on the canvas. In the opening seconds of Vianello landed a big right to the side of the head that put Barriere down for the count and the fight was over at 26 seconds.

Vianello of Rome, Italy is now 14-3-1 with 12 knockouts. Barriere of Quebec, CAN is 12-1.

Smalls Drops, Decisions Roman

Tahmir Smalls remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision oer Jose Roman in a welterweight bout.

In round three, Smalls dropped Roman with a powerful right hand.

Smalls of Philadelphia won by scores of 98-91, 96-93 and 95-94 and is now 16-0, Roman of Bayamon, PR is 14-2.

Thompson Outlasts Diaz

In a six-round toe-to-toe-slugfest between undefeated super bantamweights, Dennis Thompson won a six-round split-decision over Sean Diaz.

In round five, Diaz was deducted a point for holding. That point was huge as the judges saw the bout 60-53 Thompson, 57-56 Diaz, 57 -56 Thompson.

Thompson of Philadelphia is now 8-0. Diaz of Guadalajara, MEX is 9-1.

Zaquin Moses won a six-round unaninous decision over Antonio Dunton-El in a super featherweight bout.

Moses of Newark, NJ won b scores of 60-54 on all cards and s now 5-0. Dunton-El of Baltimore is 6-5-2.

Georgio Visioli won an eight-round unanimous decision over James Wilkins in a lightweight fight.

Visioli of Aldersob, EMG won by scores of 80-72 on all cards and is now 9-0. Wilkins of Staten Island, NY is 13-4.

Harley Maderos remained undefeated with a stoppage of Hylon Williams Jr.. after round one of their six-round lightweight bout.

Maderos dropped Williams twice and dominated. The corner of Williams stopped the bout after the opening frame.

Maderos of Brooklyn is 9-0 with eight knockouts. Williams of Houston is 16-7-1.

Naheem Parker won a six-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Justin Palmieri in a lightweight bout.

Parker of Camden, NJ won on all cards by a 60-54 tally and is now 6-3. Palmieri of Malple Shade, NJ is 5-1.

6 x 3 mins Super-Lightweight Contest

JUSTIN PALMIERI (136.4lbs)  vs.           NAHEEM PARKER (141.6lbs)
Maple Shade, New Jersey                         Camden, New Jersey

Followed by

6 x 3 mins Super-Lightweight Contest

HARLEY MEDEROS (141.6lbs)              vs.           HYLON WILLIAMS JR (138.4lbs)
Brooklyn, New York                                                          Houston, Texas

Followed by

8 x 3 mins Lightweight Contest

GIORGIO VISIOLI (135lbs)      vs.           JAMES WILKINS (134.6lbs)
Aldershot, England                                         Brooklyn, New York

Followed by

6 x 3 mins Super-Featherweight Contest

ZAQUIN MOSES (132.2lbs)    vs.           ANTONIO DUNTON-EL JR (133.4lbs)
Newark, New Jersey                                       Baltimore, Maryland

LIVE ON DAZN FROM 8PM

6 x 3 mins Bantamweight Contest

DENNIS THOMPSON (121.4lbs)          vs.           SEAN DIAZ (122lbs)
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania                                        Jalisco, Mexico

Followed by

10 x 3 mins WBA Continental North America Welterweight title

TAHMIR SMALLS (146.8lbs)   vs.           JOSE ROMAN (146.4lbs)
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania                      Bayamon, Puerto Rico

Followed by

10 x 3 mins WBC Continental Americas Heavyweight title

ALEXIS BARRIERE (237lbs)     vs.           GUIDO VIANELLO (247.4lbs)

Quebec City, Quebec                                   Las Vegas, Nevada

Followed by

12 x 3 mins WBA Interim World Super-Welterweight title

JARON ENNIS (153.4lbs)          vs.           UISMA LIMA (153lbs)

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania                      Porto, Portugal

Jaron Ennis and Uisma Lima will share center stage this Saturday night at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, where they’ll clash for the WBA interim super welterweight title in the main event of a card promoted by Matchroom Boxing.

Ennis, a former WBA welterweight champion, decided to move up in weight, and his status as an ex-titleholder earned him the right to fight for the interim belt. The American standout has been one of the most dominant forces in recent years, and in his most recent outing last April, he dismantled Eimantas Stanionis to capture the WBA welterweight strap.

Now 28 years old, “Boots” Ennis has won three of his last four bouts by knockout and enters this new division with the clear intention of keeping his destructive momentum alive and adding another black-and-gold belt to his collection in one of boxing’s toughest divisions.

Across the ring will stand Uisma Lima, a 32-year-old Angolan who currently sits at No. 8 in the WBA rankings. Lima has built a reputation as a rugged, durable fighter who never shies away from a challenge —and this one, undoubtedly, is the biggest test of his career. The African contender is coming off a statement-making knockout win over Shervantaigh Koopman in May, and he knows that shocking Ennis on Saturday would change the trajectory of his career overnight.

This week will feature a series of promotional activities leading up to Friday’s official weigh-in. Ennis enters the fight unbeaten, boasting a record of 34-0 (30 KOs), while Lima stands at 14-1 (10 KOs) and will look to deliver the performance of a lifetime under the bright lights of Philadelphia.

Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis is closing in on his debut at 154lbs in four weeks time as he takes on Uisma Lima in a final eliminator for the WBA World Super-Welterweight title at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia on Saturday October 11, live worldwide on DAZN – and in Matchroom’s ‘Day in the Life’ series, Boots says he is ready to announce himself at 154lbs in style.

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Ennis (34-0 30 KOs) said goodbye to Welterweight in stunning style in April, unifying the division by forcing WBA ruler Eimantas Stanionis to retire after seven punishing rounds in Atlantic City, but after listening to his body, the Philadelphia star has moved up to 154lbs and starts life at his new weight against the dangerous and well-traveled Angolan Lima (14-1 10 KOs).

‘Boots’ got the highest profile preparation possible for the fight, traveling to Lake Tahoe in California to join Canelo Alvarez’s camp for his clash with Terence Crawford in Las Vegas, and the 28 year old invited Matchroom’s cameras on his downtime in the picturesque surroundings, even finding time to do some fishing with his team – and Boots is ready on October 11 to cast his rod into the 154lb lake to see who bites.

“I can’t wait to step in the ring in the Super-Welterweight division and take over,” said Ennis.
 
“(On Vergil Ortiz Jr) That fight is there. Our focus is handling business and getting Lima out of the way, looking good, make a big statement in the 154lb division, and I’m ready. 
 
“Once I handle business, it doesn’t matter who it is; it’s Big Boots, not the little one, it’s Boots 2.0, and I’m excited. Being at a new weight class, the time is here now so it’s time to show out and put on.”

For all the latest news and updates, follow @matchroomboxing on social media.

Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis believes the best way to make a statement to his new 154lb divison is with a big KO win over Uisma Lima on Saturday October 11 at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, live worldwide on DAZN.

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Ennis (34-0 30 KOs) is back home in Philly after training and sparring with Canelo Alvarez in Lake Tahoe, California, and the unbeaten former Welterweight ruler is putting the finishing touches on his camp ahead of his first fight at Super-Welterweight, where he takes on Angolan danger man Lima (14-1 10 KOs) in a final eliminator for the WBA World title.
 
The Philadelphia star has made the move to 154lbs after unifying the Welterweight division in April when he forced Eimantas Stanionis to retire after six punishing rounds in Atlantic City, and now the 28 year old is ready to take that power to a new division and start on the path to becoming a two-weight World champion.
 
“I’m ready to make a big statement in the 154 division,” said Ennis on a recent episode of Matchroom’s Flash Knockdown podcast. “With the extra seven pounds, I’m feeling great. Every time I want to put on a better performance.
 
“A statement is a knockout. The main goal is to have fun and put on a show. As long as I look good there’s nothing to worry about.
 
“It was great being around Canelo. He’s a cool guy, but it was for me to get out of Philly and get my mind right and on point to continue camp. 
 
“What I’ve seen with Lima he comes forward and throws a lot of punches, whatever he brings I’ll be ready. My mindset that I’ve picked up is that every fight needs to be locked in. I’m treating him like a big name.”
 
It’s a big night for Boots the fighter, but also for Boots the promoter, as two of his young charges continue their journeys. Tahmir Smalls (15-0 11 KOs) fights for his first title in the paid ranks as he meets Jose Roman (14-1 6 KOs) for the WBA Continental North American Welterweight strap while Dennis Thompson (7-0 5 KOs) takes on unbeaten Sean Diaz (9-0 2 KOs) over six rounds at Super-Bantamweight, and Ennis is thrilled to be able to have his fighters share the big stage with him.
 
“Tahmir Smalls has been with me since he was little,” said Ennis. “It’s his first belt, I’m proud of him. I’m using my platform to give these guys the opportunity. 
 
“Dennis Thompson is young, hungry. He’s getting better with each and every fight. He keeps showing that no one can mess with him. It’s his first undefeated opponent.
 
“It’s everything fighting at home in Philly. It’s a different type of pressure for other fighters to come and fight me there.”

Boots’ clash with Lima is part of a stacked night of action in Philadelphia, with the co-main event seeing Khalil Coe (10-1-1 8 KOs) and Jesse Hart (31-3 25 KOs) locking horns for Coe’s USWBC Light-Heavyweight title.

Alexis Barriere (12-0 10 KOs) fights for his first pro title in Philadelphia, as he takes on Guido Vianello (13-3-1 11 KOs) for the WBC Continental Americas Heavyweight title, Jose Roman (14-1 6 KOs) defends his WBA Continental North America Welterweight title against Tahmir Smalls (15-0 11 KOs),  Zaquin Moses (4-0 3 KOs) takes on against Antonio Dunton El Jr. (6-4-2 2 KOs) over six rounds at Super-Featherweight, Briton Giorgio Visioli (8-0 6 KOS) makes his US debut on the card, taking on James Wilkins (13-3 6 KOs) over eight rounds at Super-Featherweight, and Lightweight Harley Mederos (8-0 7 KOs), Super-Bantamweight Dennis Thompson (7-0 5 KOs) and Lightweight Justin Palmieri (5-0 3 KOs) are all in six round action.

Uisma Lima has warned Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis that his first fight at Super-Welterweight will end in defeat, as the pair clash in a final eliminator for the WBA World title on Saturday October 11 at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, live worldwide on DAZN.

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Lima (14-1 10 KOs) visited the London studio of Matchroom’s new-look Flash Knockdown show as he continues his preparation for the biggest fight of his career in the UK, before traveling to the East Coast to take on Ennis (34-0 30 KOs) in the Philly star’s backyard.

The clash represents yet another fight on the road for the 32 year old whose last eight fights have taken place away from his adopted home of Portugal, but packing his gloves and being the underdog holds no fear for Lima, and he says in fact, he’s relishing the chance to rip up Boots’ plans to dominate a second weigh-class, and announce himself on the big stage.

“I don’t have a big promotion behind me like Eddie Hearn, but I want to fight these big names,” said Lima. “Boots does everything well, but me too! I work hard, I have good footwork, I have an explosive punch. I think they have made a big mistake.
 
“[On sparring Adam Azim] It was very sharp work; it’s helped me to get ready. I think he’s better than Boots. He’s very good, one or two years and he will be World champion.
 
“I want to put my name in history. I don’t want to be just the number one in Portugal, I want respect.
 
“I like being the underdog. I have been to Canada, Germany, South Africa and UK and won and this is another country to spoil the party.
 
“Everyone wants to be a World champion, me too. When I finish with Boots, people will know me.”
 
Lima’s clash with Boots is part of a stacked night of action in Philadelphia, with the co-main event seeing Khalil Coe (10-1-1 8 KOs) and Jesse Hart (31-3 25 KOs) locking horns for Coe’s USWBC Light-Heavyweight title.

Alexis Barriere (12-0 10 KOs) fights for his first pro title in Philadelphia, as he takes on Guido Vianello (13-3-1 11 KOs) for the WBC Continental Americas Heavyweight title, Jose Roman (14-1 6 KOs) defends his WBA Continental North America Welterweight title against Tahmir Smalls (15-0 11 KOs),  Zaquin Moses (4-0 3 KOs) takes on against Antonio Dunton El Jr. (6-4-2 2 KOs) over six rounds at Super-Featherweight, Briton Giorgio Visioli (8-0 6 KOS) makes his US debut on the card, taking on James Wilkins (13-3 6 KOs) over eight rounds at Super-Featherweight, and Lightweight Harley Mederos (8-0 7 KOs), Super-Bantamweight Dennis Thompson (7-0 5 KOs) and Lightweight Justin Palmieri (5-0 3 KOs) are all in six round action.

For all the latest news and updates, follow @matchroomboxing on social media.

Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis has signed a long-term multi-fight promotional extension with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing and DAZN.
 
The Philadelphia star first penned a deal with Hearn in April 2024, and returned home for the first time in almost six years three months later, defending his IBF Welterweight title for the first time at the Wells Fargo Center with a stoppage win over David Avanesyan, and then returned to the same spot to clinically outpoint mandatory challenger Karen Chukhadzhian in November.
 
Ennis (34-0 30 KOs) then unified the 147lb division with a stunning stoppage win over WBA ruler Eimantas Stanionis in Atlantic City in April, and now the 28 year old has decided to move to 154lbs and news of his first step on the path to becoming a two-weight World ruler will drop soon.
 
“Working with Eddie and Matchroom is just a great connection, I love how they’re willing to do whatever it takes to make me a superstar!” said Ennis. “I’m ready to get going at 154lbs and I am hunting the big names and the belts; now it’s time to shut everybody up!”
 
“I’m delighted that Jaron has committed himself to Matchroom and DAZN,” said Hearn. “Since we first started working with him last April, we’ve proved together that he is one of very few fighters in the US that can draw huge crowds in the arena, with the three events we’ve staged with Jaron pulling in well over 30,000 fans at the gate, and that’s added to big numbers on DAZN. I’m so excited to see Boots set about the 154lb division, where you are going to see a different beast and his full arsenal on display.”

Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis and Eddie Hearn have called on World champions Brian Norman and Mario Barrios to go toe-to-toe with the newly crowned Welterweight king and crown an undisputed champion at 147lbs.

Ennis (34-0 30 KOs) separated himself from the pack in spectacular fashion on Saturday night in Atlantic City, forcing WBA champion Eimantas Stanionis to retire after six punishing rounds of action live on DAZN.

‘Boots’ showed his devastating mix of power and precision en-route to ripping the WBA strap from the unbeaten Lithuanian and picking up the Ring Magazine strap, presented to him in the ring by Philadelphia 76ers star Tyrese Maxey, who also walked Boots into the ring in front of the packed crowd at the storied Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall.

Following the fight, Boots and Hearn addressed the media and made their intentions clear – to bring Norman or Barrios to Philadelphia for another unification fight in order to get an undisputed ruler at Welterweight.

“I don’t want to sound repetitive, but I’ve been saying, when I fight top of the line guys, that’s when you’ll see a whole different me,” said Ennis. “When I’m in the ring, I’m in my happy place, and when I’ve got a top guy and I’m fighting for something, it’s a whole different story and no-one can mess with me.

“I was just revving my engine and getting going, but I knew he was going to go from like the second round, from certain things he was doing. I wanted to pick it up, but my Pops was like, not yet, take your time, chill, have fun – just stick to the game plan and let it come.

“I took a pay cut for this fight, I took less money, this fight happened because of me, I gave him more money to fight me and that shows who really wanted the fight. “None of these fighters can mess with me, I’m the best fighter in the world. I was just getting into my groove and into my bag.”

“I just hope the other champions have ambition,” said Hearn. “Boots and the team are great to work with because they are chasing greatness. After a performance like that we don’t take less money, we take more money. The other guys, they will get paid, but they have to show ambition. It’s just ‘money, money, money, money’. What about trying to be number one in the division?

“With all due respect to Brian Norman, he just boxed for about $150,000 on the undercard of Mikaela Mayer and Sandy Ryan. If we go back to Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia now, to unify again, Boots will fill the whole place, 18-19,000, unquestionably. There is money in the pot, but you have to show ambition.

“I spoke to Bob Arum and he made it clear to me that they want to try to make the fight. There is probably close to ten-times the biggest payday of Brian Norman’s career to fight Boots. If you don’t want to get int the ring, you might as well retire from the sport, because what’s it all about? That kind of payday to fight the very best in the sport to prove yourself as a pound-for-pound great. Stop with Twitter, stop with Instagram, grow a pair of balls and come and be in one of the biggest fights in the sport. Wells Fargo, back end of the summer or early fall, let’s make it happen.

“Last time they said, ‘we’re not going to Philadelphia.’ Where do you think the money comes from? This is not about being disrespectful, Brian Norman is a great fighter, but don’t you want to make great fights for the sport. Boots is not losing at 147, he’s not losing at 154, he’s not losing at 160 – watch what he does in the next few years, he’s going through all the divisions.

“I think the greatest achievement for any fighter is to be undisputed, I don’t know the ins and outs of how Boots felt at the weight, but certainly at the weigh-in he looked extremely comfortable, and that was always part of the chat after the Karen Chukhadzhian fight, is it time to move up? I would have felt like really, we hadn’t done our job if he moved up without unifying the division.”

ATLANTIC CITY-– Jaron “Boots” Ennis passed his biggest test of his career in flying colors as he scored an entertaining beatdown of Eimanras Stanionis to unify his own IBF and Stanionis’ WBA welterweight titles in front of a big crowd at Boardwalk Hall

The fight began with a great pace as Ennis was able to land quick shots that set up harder combinations. Stanionis was able to keep honest as he was able to get in some good hard jabs and right hands of his own. Ennis was able to box free and work behind his power shots to continuously beat Stanionis to the punch. Stanionis as having a good round five until he ate a big uppercut that turned the round around as it produced a bloody nose from the Lithuanian. In round six, Ennis landed a big combination that was culminated by and uppercut that put Stanionis on the deck. Staniomis seemed to have steadied himself, but when he sat down on the stool, the corner called and end to the fight.

Ennis is now a unified champion with a record fo 34-0 with 30 knockouts. Stanionis of Lithuania is 15-1.

Raymond Ford Decisions Thomas Mattice

Former world champion Raymond Ford won a 10-round unanimous decision over Thomas Mattice in a super featherweight bout.

Ford landed 128 of 610 punches. Mattice was 24 of 126.

Ford, 130 lbs of Canden, NJ won by scores of 100-90 on all cards and is now 17-1-1. Mattice, 129.6lbs of Cleveland is 22-5-1.

Omari Jones Stops Jackson in 1

Omari Jones made it two consecutive first round stoppages as he took care of William Jackson in their welterweight bout.

Jones landed a left hook to the body that put Jackson down for referee David Franciosi’s 10-count at 1:47.

Jones, 149.6 lbs of Orlando, FL is 2-0 with two knockouts. Jackson, 150 lbs of Cincinnati is 13-6-2.

Giyasov Stops Ocampo in 4

WBA number-one ranked welterweight Shakhram Giyasov stopped Franco Ocampo in round four of their 10-round welterweight fight.

At the end of round one, Giyasov buckled Ocampo with a hard left. Giyasov then landed a big flurry that was punctuated by a right that dropped Ocampo. In round four, Giyasov landed a straight right to the body that put Ocampo down and the fight was halted.

Giyasov, 149 lbs of Uzbekistan is 17-0 with 10 knockouts. Ocampo, 153 lbs of Buenos Aries, ARG is 17-3.

Zaquin Moses stopped Alex Pallette in round two of their four-round super featherweight bout.

Moses dropped Pallette with a straight left and the bout was stopped at 2:13.

Moses, 128.8 lbs of Newark, NJ is 3-0 with two knockouts. Pallette, 129.8 lbs of Toa Baja, PR is 1-4.

Tahmir Smails needed just 73 seconds to dispose of Earl Bascome in a scheduled eight-round welterweight bout.

Smalls scored a knockdown and referee Charlie Fitch reached the 10-count at 1:!3.

Smalls, 147.8 lbs of Philadelphia is 14-0 with 10 knockouts. Bascome, 148.6 lbs of Hamilton, BER is 13-2.

Arturo Cardenas scored an eighth and final round stoppage over late replacement Edgar Joe Cortes in a super bantamweight bout.

In round five, Cardenas dropped Cortes with a hard left hook. In round seven, Cardenas planted Cortes on the canvas with a perfect right hand. Cardenas was dominant in the final round as he pounded away on Cortes and dropped him again with a right hand. Referee Charlie Fotch called a halt to the fight just as Cortes hit the deck at 1:30

Cardenas, 122.3 lbs f Mexico is 16-0-1 with 10 knockouts. Cortes, 123.6 lbs of Millville, NJ is 9-8-1.

Cortes stepped for Christian Carto. Carto with drew this week for unspecified reasons.

Francisco Rodriguez remained perfect with a stoppage of Naheem Parrker after round three of their six-round lightweight bout.

Rodriguez, 135 lbs of Atlantic City is now 7-0 with seven knockouts. Parker, 136 lbs of Camden, NJ is 5-2.

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ – April 11, 2025 – Undefeated Welterweight Champions Jaron “Boots” Ennis and Eimantas Stanionis, met one last time for their official weigh in at the Circus Maximus Theatre at Caesars Hotel in Atlantic City today ahead of their clash on the Matchroom card at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall on Saturday, April 12, live worldwide on DAZN.

IBF Welterweight Champion Ennis (33-0 29 KOs), coming off his unanimous decision victory over Karen Chukhadzhian in November, will headline a Matchroom Boxing card against WBA Welterweight title holder Stanionis (15-0 9 KOs) who outpointed Gabriel Maestre in Las Vegas in April 2022. Both Ennis and Stanionis have been searching for unification bouts since landing their titles, and now the pair clash with the Ring Magazine title also on the line at a venue that has hosted the very best fighters on the planet. 

Ennis and Stanionis were joined by the rest of the undercard. Please see below for the official weights ahead of tomorrow’s event.

MAIN EVENT: IBF, WBA & RING MAGAZINE WELTERWEIGHT TITLES – 12 ROUNDS

Jaron Ennis                             vs.                   Eimantas Stanionis

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania                            Kaunas, Lithuania

33-0 (29 KOs)                                                15-0 (9 KOs) 

146.4 LBS                                                      146. 8 LBS

CO-MAIN EVENT: WBA CONTINENTAL NORTH AMERICA SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT TITLE – 10 ROUNDS

Raymond Ford                       vs.                   Thomas Mattice

Camden, New Jersey                                     Cleveland, Ohio 

16-1-1 (8 KOs)                                               22-4-1 (17 KOs)

130 LBS                                                         129.6 LBS

WELTERWEIGHT BOUT – 6 ROUNDS

Omari Jones                           vs.                   William Jackson

Orlando, Florida                                              Cincinnati, Ohio

1-0 (1 KOs)                                                     13-5-2 (5 KOs)

149.6 LBS                                                       150 LBS

WELTERWEIGHT BOUT – 10 ROUNDS

Shakhram Giyasov                            vs.       Franco Ocampo 

16-0 (9 KOs)                                                   17-2 (8 KOs)

Bukhara, Uzbekistan                                      Buenos Aires, Argentina

149 LBS                                                          153 LBS

SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT BOUT – 4 ROUNDS

Zaquin Moses                         vs.                   Alex Pallette

2-0 (1 KO)                                                       1-3 (1 KO)

Newark, New Jersey                                       Toa Baja, Puerto Rico

128.8 LBS                                                       129.8 LBS      

WELTERWEIGHT BOUT – 8 ROUNDS

Tahmir Smalls                         vs.                   Earl Bascome

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania                            Hamilton, Bermuda

13-0 (9 KOs)                                               13-1 (2 KOs)

147.8 LBS                                                      148.6 LBS 

SUPER BANTAMWEIGHT BOUT– 8 ROUNDS 

Arturo Cardenas                     vs.                   Edgar Joe Cortes

Sahuayo de Morelos, Michoacan, Mexico     Millville, New Jersey

15-0-1 (8 KOs)                                               9-7-1 (1 KO)

123.2 LBS                                                      123.6 LBS  

LIGHTWEIGHT BOUT – 6 ROUNDS

Francisco Rodriguez               vs.                   Naheem Parker

Atlantic City, NJ                                              Camden, New Jersey

6-0 (6 KOs)                                                 5-1 (2 KOs)

135 LBS                                                         136 LBS 

ABOUT ENNIS VS. STANIONIS:
Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis and Eimantas Stanionis will face off in a unification fight for the IBF, WBA and Ring Magazine World Welterweight titles on April 12 at the Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J. Ennis (33-0, 29 KOs) will defend his IBF title for the third time, having previously defeated David Avanesyan and Karen Chukhadzhian. Stanionis (15-0, 9 KOs), who won the WBA regular title in 2022, became the full champion in August when Terence Crawford vacated the belt. Both fighters have sought unification bouts since claiming their titles. Ennis is determined to make a statement, while Stanionis is eager to prove he’s the best in the division. The fight is promoted by Matchroom Boxing.

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ – April 10, 2025 – Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis and Eimantas Stanionis will clash in a blockbuster unification battle for the IBF, WBA and Ring Magazine World Welterweight titles at the Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City on Saturday, April 12, live worldwide on DAZN.

Ennis (33-0 29 KOs) puts his IBF title on the line for the third time in his third fight under Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing, with his previous defenses seeing the Philadelphia star thrill his hometown fans at Wells Fargo Center, first forcing David Avanesyan to retire after five rounds in July and then outpointing mandatory challenger Karen Chukhadzhian in November.

Stanionis (15-0 9 KOs) returned to the ring with a victory over Gabriel Maestre in Las Vegas, outpointing the Venezuelan to retain the WBA regular title that he won in April 2022 in Texas against Radzhab Butaev. The 30 year old, who represented Lithuania in the 2016 Olympic Games, was elevated to full champion in August when Terence Crawford vacated the WBA belt.

Raymond Ford will face Thomas Mattice for the WBA Continental North America Super-Featherweight title on the undercard, while Olympic Bronze Medalist Omari Jones will step into the ring for the second time as a professional after making quick work of Alessio Mastronunzio just a month ago in his hometown of Orlando. 

This is what they said ahead of their respective fights:

EDDIE HEARN

“It’s been a long time coming for big time boxing here in Atlantic City. Some of the iconic boxers have fought here at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall and you will get the fight of the year here on Saturday. The fight for Welterweight supremacy with Jaron “Boots” Ennis against Eimantas Stanionis for the WBA, IBF and Ring Magazine championship all live and exclusive around the world on DAZN.

“All we ever want in the boxing community is the best against the best. Champion vs. Champion. Whenever we get an opportunity to do number one against number two we have to grab it with both hands. This venue is iconic with huge fights and names as Jaron Ennis takes on Eimantas Stanionis.”

JARON ENNIS

“I’m ready to show out and put on a show and show the world why I’m the best and come Saturday night I’m going to take home all these belts. We expect him to do what he usually does. Come forward, throw a lot of jabs, punches and try to hook, a typical pressure fighter. I don’t think he can do much else other than that.”

“I’m definitely excited to fight at this iconic venue. One of my favorite fights to watch was Floyd (Mayweather) vs (Arturo) Gatti, and I’m excited about fighting in the same arena. Hopefully, I can put a historic moment during this fight just like that.”

“I want to be the standard of the Welterweight division and be with those top guys like Floyd Mayweather and Sugar Ray Leonard. Not too many people can say they have fought for the Ring Magazine and division titles but on Saturday night I will, and I will be stamping my legacy right there. We’re going to show the world why I’m the best. We‘re going to put on a show for sure.” 

“I’m not going to look for a knockout, but it’s coming. We’re going to have fun. We’re going to show out. He said all gas, no breaks. He’s going to run right into a rock.”

EIMANTAS STANIONIS 

“It’s a big opportunity, I know Ennis is a very good fighter, but I came here to give it my all and the best shot I can put.” 

“I know they think they might knock me out. First of all, I’ve never been knocked out so we will see, but it can always be the first time. I will do my best on April 12 and didn’t come here for a walk in the park. I went into this camp with my most brutal training and I sacrificed a lot and left my family. My wife is pregnant, and my baby might come today or tomorrow. It’s been a lot of sacrifices that I have put because I love the sport and believe in myself so I will see you on April 12 and give all my heart. 

“Because of the opportunity and the opponent, I put everything into it. I left no stones unturned and last time I finished my training I said “thank god” no injuries and I’m ready to go.”

“This means a lot and I look forward to taking all these belts to Lithuania on Sunday. I’m winning Saturday night by going all gas no brakes.”

BOZY ENNIS 

“Boots hasn’t gone to another level yet. I hope Stanionis can bring it out of him. That’s what I’m waiting for. Then you will see different boots. He just goes out there and does what he does. But if Stanionis can bring it out then you’re going to see something.”

“Tom Brown knows Boots asked for Stanionis a long time ago. We asked for Stanionis. We asked for Crawford. We asked for all of them back then. At that time, no one was willing to fight Boots. At the last fight, I guess they saw something. They thought they saw something anyway. Now that everybody wants to fight, let’s fight. Let’s fight and see who’s going to be victorious. I don’t think it’s going to last that long.” 

MARVIN SOMODIO

“It’s been a long journey for Eimantas. Eimnatas turned pro in 2017. He became a world champion in April 2022. Three years later, we are fighting Boots Ennis for unification and the Ring magazine Championship. Not every day is the best day, but we’re going to do the same on April 12. We will come out victorious.” 

RAYMOND FORD

“No pressure, this is what I do. I like “Gunna Man” (Mattice). Unfortunately for him he’s outgunned and I’m going to show that, he signed up for it and I’m sorry it has to be him, it’s the boxing business.” 

“I’m always confident, we can’t say it’s not going to be easy. I might get in there and clip him early. I’m always gonna try to make a statement as I’m trying to get these world champions to fight me so hopefully after this fight we can get one.”

THOMAS MATTICE

“I can take any challenge. I tip my hat off to Ray because we get a lot of calls and people don’t take the challenge. Everything is against Ray, the pressure is on him as I have everything to gain and he has everything to lose. I came to get the job done, I never fought for a check in my whole career. Anytime my phone rings, it’s a yes to whoever calls. Two weeks before that, they called me for Shakur Stevenson, and it was a yes. I’m with whatever and I’m ready to put on a show.

“Ray is nice. I can’t take anything from him. There’s no bad blood. The fans are going to win on Saturday night. I’m a great fighter and he’s a great fighter so I appreciate the opportunity and I’m here to capitalize on it. Anyone in the arena or watching, my advice is don’t blink.”

OMARI JONES

“Absolutely, I’m ready. Especially coming off my debut in Orlando [and] like you said, it was a sold out crowd and I was built for moments like this. I’m moving on to my second pro fight and I’m ready to put on another great performance here in Atlantic City against another big crowd. So, I’m ready for these moments. 

“Absolutely, every time out, that’s what me and my team, we established with [Matchroom] and we also said we want to stay busy from the first time we sat down and met. So these kinds of opponents are what we want and what I’m ready for.”

“That’s always been something that’s been with me through my parents and mentors. I always want to inspire the youth. If they see me do it, they’ll believe they can do it. The kids were really excited to see the medal. They left with some inspiration. If they don’t leave with anything else, I hope they leave with that.”

WILLIAM JACKSON

“[Omari] is in for a handful. I don’t really have much to say. I’m just ready to show my talent.”

SHAKHRAM GIYASOV

“I’m always ready, I’m happy to be here, I’m happy I have my fight. It’s one step towards my goal. My goal is to become world champion.”

“I have my motivation. I have my skills. I’m ready for all my career. My goal is to be World Champion. Step by step, I’m coming for my goal. I’m training, I’m trying. I’m here to be a world champion. It doesn’t matter who my opponent is, I’m going towards my goal.” 

FRANCO OCAMPO

“On Saturday, we’re coming to win this fight. More than anything, we’re here to show that Argentinians have balls.”

ZAQUIN MOSES

“I’m ready to shine and show my skills. I’m ready to do my job. I do feel like I’m one of the best prospects in boxing. I don’t want to disrespect anybody, or any prospect up here but I do feel I’m the best and I can’t wait to show it on Saturday.” 

“I’m getting more comfortable, more relaxed, it’s a process, and I’m enjoying it right now. I’m having fun. I like shining and on Saturday night I can’t wait to show it.”

ARTURO CARDENAS

“We were ready for Carto, but that fight didn’t materialize because of a few details. But regardless of the opponent, we are ready for whatever opponent comes that way, and we hope that the folks of New Jersey enjoy the fights on Saturday and the way that I box. We’ll be back again soon.” 

TAHMIR SMALLS

“I’m ready to get it on. I’m ready to show the world my talent. I’m ready to take over the 147 division. 

“I appreciate the opportunity, now it’s time to show the world what I’m made of.”

FRANCISCO RODRIGUEZ

“I clock in everyday here [Caesars Palace], but right after I’m right back at work, training and mixing it up. Always mixing it up. Even at night, I go to the Atlantic City boardwalk, I see the flyer, and it motivates me more. I’m putting in the miles. AC boardwalk every night. 

“I feel blessed and I take being on this amazing card with great champions seriously. I’m going to take advantage of this opportunity.”

Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis and Eimantas Stanionis came face-to-face for the first time in fight week today as they draw closer to their blockbuster unification battle for the IBF, WBA and Ring Magazine World Welterweight titles at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City on Saturday April 12, live worldwide on DAZN.

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Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis and Eimantas Stanionis came face-to-face for the first time in fight week today as they draw closer to their blockbuster unification battle for the IBF, WBA and Ring Magazine World Welterweight titles at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City on Saturday April 12, live worldwide on DAZN.

Ennis (33-0 29 KOs) puts his IBF strap on the line for the third time in his third fight under Eddie Hearn and Matchroom, with his previous defenses seeing the Philadelphia star thrill his hometown fans at Wells Fargo Center, first by forcing David Avanesyan to retire after five rounds of his first defense in July and then outpointing mandatory challenger Karen Chukhadzhian in November.

Stanionis (15-0 9 KOs) made a welcome return to the ring in April with victory over Gabriel Maestre in Las Vegas in May, outpointing the Venezuelan in Las Vegas to retain the WBA regular title that he won back in April 2022 in Texas against Radzhab Butaev. The 30 year old, who represented Lithuania in the 2016 Olympic Games, was elevated to full champion in August when Terence Crawford vacated the WBA belt.

Both Ennis and Stanionis have been searching for unification bouts since landing their titles, and now the pair clash with the Ring Magazine title also on the line at a venue that has hosted the very best fighters on the planet.

Boots and Stanionis clash on a huge night of action in Atlantic City, where Raymond Ford continues his pursuit to becoming a two-time, two-weight World champion as he faces Thomas Mattice for the WBA Continental North America Super-Featherweight title.
 
Ford (16-1-1 8 KOs) fights at 130lbs for the second time after moving up from Featherweight in November and routing Orlando Gonzalez over ten rounds in Philadelphia. ‘Savage’ won the WBA World title at 126lbs with a stunning last gasp KO win over Otabek Kholmatov in March in Verona, NY and was edged out in his first defense by a razor-thin split decision reversal against Nick Ball in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in June.

Ford sits pretty in the rankings across all the governing bodies and will be eyeing that second World title shot in the back end of the year, but Mattice will see that as a carrot dangled for him, and ‘Gunna Man’ will relish the chance to upset Ford’s plans.

Arturo Cardenas defends his WBC Continental Americas Super-Bantamweight title against Christian Carto, Team USA’s Olympic bronze medal man Omari Jones fights for the second time in the paid ranks against William Jackson over six rounds at Welterweight, Shakhram Giyasov will open the show live on DAZN over ten rounds against Franco Ocampo as the Uzbek man waits for his shot at a World title, while the Before The Bell action sees three young tri-state talents in action as Atlantic City’s Francisco Rodriguez takes on Camden, New Jersey’s Naheem Parker over eight rounds at Lightweight, Philadelphia’s Tahmir Smalls takes on Washington DC’s Bermudan Earl Bascome over eight rounds at Welterweight and Newark, New Jersey’s Zaquin Moses takes on Alex Palette over four rounds at Super-Featherweight.

Eimantas Stanionis has promised to take Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis into the deepest waters he’s ever been to – and the WBA ruler believes he’ll ‘break and beat’ the IBF champion to rule the Welterweight division when they clash in a unification blockbuster on Saturday night at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, live worldwide on DAZN.

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Stanionis (15-0 9 KOs) made a welcome return to the ring in April with victory over Gabriel Maestre in Las Vegas in May, outpointing the Venezuelan in Las Vegas to retain the WBA regular title that he won back in April 2022 in Texas against Radzhab Butaev. The 30 year old, who represented Lithuania in the 2016 Olympic Games, was elevated to full champion in August when Terence Crawford vacated the WBA belt.

Both Ennis and Stanionis have been searching for unification bouts since landing their titles, and with the Ring Magazine title also on the line at a venue that has hosted the very best fighters on the planet, Stanionis has been working tirelessly at the famous Wild Card gym to make sure he is at his very best on the biggest night of his career.

“Camp at Wild Card has been a warzone—exactly how I like it,” said Stanionis. “With Coach Marvin Somodio, we’ve been grinding non-stop. The sparring partners we worked with are monsters, they pushed me to the edge. Speed, defense, pressure—we’ve dialed in every weapon in I posses. Every day I walk into that gym, I treat it like a fight. I’m locked in, and hungry. This is the best version of me the world’s ever seen.

“Ennis is slick, explosive, and they say he’s the future of the division. That’s why I signed the contract. I don’t duck anyone—I run toward the fire. This isn’t gonna be a chess match. This is going to be a war. I’m stepping into that ring to test him, break him, and beat him. Let’s see how he handles real pressure. 

“Beating Boots changes everything for me. It puts me on the throne of the Welterweight division and kicks the door open to pound-for-pound greatness. But this isn’t just about belts—this is about legacy. I fight to carve my name into the history books.

“Every time I fight, I fight with Lithuania on my back. My people know struggle, they know toughness—and I carry that spirit into the ring. When I win, they win. This moment isn’t just for me—it’s for every single person back home who believes in the warrior I’ve become.”

Boots and Stanionis clash on a huge night of action in Atlantic City, where Raymond Ford continues his pursuit to becoming a two-time, two-weight World champion as he faces Thomas Mattice for the WBA Continental North America Super-Featherweight title.
 
Ford (16-1-1 8 KOs) fights at 130lbs for the second time after moving up from Featherweight in November and routing Orlando Gonzalez over ten rounds in Philadelphia. ‘Savage’ won the WBA World title at 126lbs with a stunning last gasp KO win over Otabek Kholmatov in March in Verona, NY and was edged out in his first defense by a razor-thin split decision reversal against Nick Ball in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in June.

Ford sits pretty in the rankings across all the governing bodies and will be eyeing that second World title shot in the back end of the year, but Mattice will see that as a carrot dangled for him, and ‘Gunna Man’ will relish the chance to upset Ford’s plans.

Arturo Cardenas defends his WBC Continental Americas Super-Bantamweight title against Christian Carto, Team USA’s Olympic bronze medal man Omari Jones fights for the second time in the paid ranks against William Jackson over six rounds at Welterweight, Shakhram Giyasov will open the show live on DAZN over ten rounds against Franco Ocampo as the Uzbek man waits for his shot at a World title, while the Before The Bell action sees three young tri-state talents in action as Atlantic City’s Francisco Rodriguez takes on Camden, New Jersey’s Naheem Parker over eight rounds at Lightweight, Philadelphia’s Tahmir Smalls takes on Washington DC’s Bermudan Earl Bascome over eight rounds at Welterweight and Newark, New Jersey’s Zaquin Moses takes on Alex Palette over four rounds at Super-Featherweight.

Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis says he’s completely focused on the biggest fight of his career to date as he meets fellow World champion Eimantas Stanionis in a blockbuster Welterweight unification battle on Saturday night at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, live worldwide on DAZN.

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Ennis (33-0 29 KOs) has been itching to land a unification clash at 147lbs and the IBF ruler can take the first step towards his dream of being the undisputed Welterweight king by ripping the WBA strap from Stanionis (15-0 9 KOs) and adding the Ring Magazine title in the process.

‘Boots’ fights under the Matchroom banner for the third time since signing with promoter Eddie Hearn, with defenses against David Avanesyan and Karen Chukhadzhian laying the foundation for what promises to be an epic showdown with the talented Lithuanian.

The 27 year old has long stated that he wants to collect all the belts at Welterweight before moving to 154lbs, but the Philadelphia star is blocking out talk of taking on the rest of the champions to achieve that goal and focusing on what he knows is a tough night’s work on the famed boardwalk.

“I’m here to collect all the belts, and I’m locked in on Stanionis,” said Ennis. “Win on Saturday and I’m the WBA, IBF and Ring Magazine champion, and then we’ll see what’s next. But I am zoned in on Stanionis, no doubt, and I’m ready to give everybody what they are asking for. It’s a big fight for him and I’m glad he’s taken the fight and given the fans what they want. I’m number one in the division, he’s number two, I’m dialed in, I’m so focused on this.
 
“I’m here to do one thing and that’s put hands on you, that’s it. I’m not trying to talk or go back and forth on the internet. I know that fighters are trying to hype the fight, but when it’s already sold, you don’t need to do it. Everybody is different though.
 
“I’m at the point right now where I don’t care what people say because it seems that no matter what I do; if I pitch a shut out – ‘oh you should have knocked him out’. If I KO someone, ‘oh we don’t know if he has a gas tank’. I do what’s best for me and I’m locked in on me, I don’t care what other people have to say, and I’m not worried about any other fight but this one.
 
“The fans want to see a little bit of everything, and I feel I give them that, but I can’t worry about what people say, and if it is negative, then that’s just motivation to shut them up.
 
“The Chukhadzhian fight was hard because I’ve already beaten the guy 12-0 and we’re forced into fighting him to keep the IBF belt, so at the end of the day you have to do what you have to do. I took care of the mandatory and I’m glad I had the fight with him, it’s made me be a lot smarter in this camp and I’m just ready and I’m so excited for this fight, I will show out for sure.”
 
Boots and Stanionis clash on a huge night of action in Atlantic City, where Raymond Ford continues his pursuit to becoming a two-time, two-weight World champion as he faces Thomas Mattice for the WBA Continental North America Super-Featherweight title.
 
Ford (16-1-1 8 KOs) fights at 130lbs for the second time after moving up from Featherweight in November and routing Orlando Gonzalez over ten rounds in Philadelphia. ‘Savage’ won the WBA World title at 126lbs with a stunning last gasp KO win over Otabek Kholmatov in March in Verona, NY and was edged out in his first defense by a razor-thin split decision reversal against Nick Ball in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in June.

Ford sits pretty in the rankings across all the governing bodies and will be eyeing that second World title shot in the back end of the year, but Mattice will see that as a carrot dangled for him, and ‘Gunna Man’ will relish the chance to upset Ford’s plans.

Arturo Cardenas defends his WBC Continental Americas Super-Bantamweight title against Christian Carto, Team USA’s Olympic bronze medal man Omari Jones fights for the second time in the paid ranks against William Jackson over six rounds at Welterweight, Shakhram Giyasov will open the show live on DAZN over ten rounds against Franco Ocampo as the Uzbek man waits for his shot at a World title, while the Before The Bell action sees three young tri-state talents in action as Atlantic City’s Francisco Rodriguez takes on Camden, New Jersey’s Naheem Parker over eight rounds at Lightweight, Philadelphia’s Tahmir Smalls takes on Washington DC’s Bermudan Earl Bascome over eight rounds at Welterweight and Newark, New Jersey’s Zaquin Moses takes on Alex Palette over four rounds at Super-Featherweight.

LOS ANGELES, CA (March 10, 2025) – Reigning WBA Welterweight Champion Eimantas Stanionis (15-0, 9 KOs), has recently kicked off his training camp at the legendary Wild Card Boxing Gym in Los Angeles, CA, under the guidance of coach Marvin Somodio. The Lithuanian champion is preparing for the biggest fight of his career—an explosive welterweight unification showdown against unbeaten IBF Champion Jaron “Boots” Ennis (33-0, 29 KOs) on April 12 at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J. The high-stakes battle will be broadcast live on DAZN in an event promoted by Matchroom Boxing in association with TGB Promotions.

After arriving in Los Angeles two weeks ago, Stanionis has quickly adjusted to the change in time zone and climate, settling into his intense training regimen. The harmony with Coach Somodio has been a blessing to Stanionis and his mindset.

“I feel great,” said Stanionis. “Since arriving in LA a couple of weeks ago, I’ve gotten used to the time change and weather. Even though I hadn’t fought in a while, Marvin and I picked up right where we left off. We work well together, and we’re making all the right changes to be in top shape. Training has been going really well, and I’m focused and ready for this fight.”

Many boxing experts consider Ennis the favorite in this fight, labeling him the most feared man in the welterweight division. However, Stanionis embraces the challenge with confidence and thrives under the pressure.

“Many people think Ennis will win, but I am here to surprise everyone,” said Stanionis. “I have worked my whole career for this fight, and on April 12, I will give everything to win these titles and show I am the best welterweight in the world.”

# # #

For more information, follow Eimantas Stanionis on social media:

Instagram: @eimantasstanionis

Twitter: @E_Stanionis

Kaunas, Lithuania (February 13, 2025) – WBA Welterweight Champion Eimantas Stanionis (15-0, 9 KOs) is entering the final days of his training camp in his hometown of Kaunas, Lithuania, before heading to the United States to complete preparations for his highly anticipated showdown against Jaron “Boots” Ennis (33-0, 29 KOs). The two elite welterweights will battle for the IBF, WBA, and Ring Magazine World Welterweight Titles on April 12 at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J., live on DAZN.

Before departing for the United States, Stanionis, who fights under the TGB Promotions banner, has been training alongside his stablemates and mentoring young teens at the local after school program for troubled teens, an experience that has fueled his motivation for this career-defining moment.

“Spending these last days training at home with my gym mates and mentoring the young kids at the local afterschool program means everything to me,” said Stanionis. “I remember growing up with friends that were struggling, so I feel it’s my duty to help these kids out as best I can. Now, I’m here, and I want to show them that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.”

As the first Lithuanian-born world champion in boxing history, Stanionis is proud to represent his country on one of the sport’s biggest stages and hopes to bring home another major victory for his homeland.

“Every time I step into the ring, I carry Lithuania with me,” Stanionis continued. “This fight isn’t just about me—it’s about my country, my people, and the next generation of Lithuanian fighters. I fight with pride, and on April 12, I plan to make history once again.”

A win over Ennis would establish Stanionis as one of the premier forces in the welterweight division and catapult him into global superstardom.

“This is the biggest fight of my career, and a victory over Ennis will put my name alongside the best in the world,” Stanionis stated. “He’s a great fighter, but I’m coming to prove that I belong at the very top. This is my moment, and I won’t let it slip away.”

With his time in Lithuania coming to an end, Stanionis is looking forward to beginning the final phase of his camp in Los Angeles, where he will fine-tune his skills at the legendary Wild Card Boxing gym with coach Marvin Somodio ahead of the biggest fight of his career.

“Training in Los Angeles at Wild Card, with coach Marvin, will be the perfect way to sharpen everything up before the fight. The work I put in there, the elite sparring, will make sure I’m 100% ready to go on April 12,” he concluded. “I’m excited, focused, and prepared to leave everything in the ring.”

# # #

For more information, follow Eimantas Stanionis on social media:

Instagram: @eimantasstanionis

Twitter: @E_Stanionis

Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis and Eimantas Stanionis will clash in a blockbuster unification battle for the IBF, WBA and Ring Magazine World Welterweight titles at the Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City on Saturday April 12, live worldwide on DAZN.

Ennis (33-0 29 KOs) puts his IBF strap on the line for the third time in his third fight under Eddie Hearn and Matchroom, with his previous defenses seeing the Philadelphia star thrill his hometown fans at Wells Fargo Center, first by forcing David Avanesyan to retire after five rounds of his first defense in July and then outpointing mandatory challenger Karen Chukhadzhian in November.

Stanionis (15-0 9 KOs) made a welcome return to the ring in April with victory over Gabriel Maestre in Las Vegas in May, outpointing the Venezuelan in Las Vegas to retain the WBA regular title that he won back in April 2022 in Texas against Radzhab Butaev. The 30 year old, who represented Lithuania in the 2016 Olympic Games, was elevated to full champion in August when Terence Crawford vacated the WBA belt.

Both Ennis and Stanionis have been searching for unification bouts since landing their titles, and now the pair clash with the Ring Magazine title also on the line at a venue that has hosted the very best fighters on the planet.

“This is the fight I’ve been waiting for,” said Ennis. “I believe I was made for moments like this and on April 12 I will be making a big statement and you will see the very best of me.  It’s time to shine, be great and collect those belts.”

“This is it—the moment I’ve been envisioning my entire life!” Said Stanionis. “Every sacrifice, every ounce of sweat, it’s all been for this fight. Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis is a great fighter, but I’m ready to take him down. On April 12 in Atlantic City, I’ll show the world what I’m made of. This unification bout is my chance to prove I’m the king of the Welterweight division, and there’s no way I’m letting this opportunity slip away. This moment is mine!”

“This is a simply brilliant fight,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “When we signed Boots, I said to him that we would deliver unifications for him, so it is great to get this over the line for Jaron, and I know that with the biggest fight of his career right in front of him, he is going to shine brighter than ever.

“Eimantas is a brilliant fighter, and this is without doubt the #1 and #2 in the division, and I could not wish for a better fight to promote our first event in the storied Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.”

Announcements on the undercard and ticket on-sale dates will be made soon.

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PHILADELPHIA–It was a little tougher this time, but Jaron Ennis defended his IBF Welterweight title with his second 12-round unanimous decision over Karen Chukhadzhian in almost two years. This time it took place at Wells Fargo Center in Ennis’ hometown of Philadelphia.

The first bout, which took place in January of 2023 saw Ennis cruise to a 12-round shutout in a bout that saw Chukhadzhian bascally run around the ring and not engage. This time Chukhadzhian tried his best and at times have success landing on Ennis. Ennis landed more often and harder and used a two-fisted attack from bot the orthodox and southpaw stances.

In round five, Ennis landed a solid upper cut that put the challenger on the canvas. There were several times that Ennis had Chukhadzhian on the brink of trouble, but the Ukranian was able to fend off just enough to keep further damage from incurring.

In round 10, Chukhadzhian was deducted a point for holding. Chukhadzhian was gritty, but was out gunned by the much more dynamic Ennis.

Ennis landed 224 of 730 punches. Chukhadzhian was 173 of 622.

Ennis, 146 lbs of Philadelphia won by scores of 118-109, 117-110 and 116-111 to push his record to 33-0. Chukhadzhian, 146 1/2 lbs from Kiev, UKR is 24-3.

After the match, Ennis offered an honest review: “My performance was okay. I don’t know, it might be time to go to 154. I felt good, but I feel at 154 I’m going to be way better…I was prepared for anything he had coming; it didn’t really matter to me.”

“After I dropped [Chukhadzhian] I felt like he was holding ever since then. That’s on me though, I needed to take half a step back, rip those shots, use my angles, and just listen more. My dad was saying everything right and I just wasn’t listening.” 

“It means everything, I appreciate everybody that came out and showed their support, even though it wasn’t a top guy. Every time I fight here it’s going to get bigger and better,” said Ennis on fighting in front of his home crowd for the second straight bout.

Bam Rodriguez Stops Guevara in 2

Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez defended the WBC Super Flyweight title with a second round stoppage of Pedro Guevara

In round two, Rodriguez landed a hard left that put Guevara on the canvas. Seconds later, Rodriguez landed a perfect right uppercut on the chin that put Guevara down and the fight was stopped at 2:47.

Rodriguez, 114.8 lbs of San Antonio is 21-0 with 14 knockouts. Guevara, 114.4 lbs of Sinalba, MEX is 42-5-1.

Speaking after the fight, Rodriguez commented, “I’m pretty happy, but I kind of already knew it was going to happen that way. It is what it is. On to the next. I really didn’t expect that [his movement]. I really thought he was going to stand there and fight a little bit more.”

When asked what’s next for him, Rodriguez added, “I feel good, this is my weight class right now. Got a few more fights here and then we’ll see where we go from there…Any unification fight, I’m ready right now.”

Ray Ford Drops Orlando Gonzalez Twice; Cruises to Unanimous Decision

Former Featherweight World Champion Raymond Ford scored two knockdowns en route to a 10-round unanimous decision over Orlando Gonzalez in a junior lightweight bout.

In round two, Ford landed a perfect right hook to the jaw that deposited Gonzalez under the bottom rope.

In round eight, Ford dropped a now bloodied (from the nose Gonzalez with another perfect right hook to the jaw.

Ford landed 171 of 481 punches. Gonzalez was 35 of 297.

Ford, 130 lbs of Canden, NJ won by scores of 100-88 twice and 99-89 and is now 16-1-1. Gonzalez, 130 lbs of Aguildila, PR is 23-3.

“I feel like the fight tonight went really well,” said Ford. “I just wanted to close the show and get him out of there. This win means a lot to me. It gets me higher in the 130-pound rankings so I can eventually get a shot at a world title.”

Gallegos Scores Four Knockdowns; Stops Coe in 9

Manuel Gallegos scored the biggest win of his career as he stopped Khalil Coe in round nine of their 10-round light heavyweight bout.

In round five, Gallegos dropped Coe with a left to the body. Coe furiously came back and hurt Gallegos with several hard right hands. In round seven, Gallegos hurt Coe with an uppercut and floored him with a right hand to the head. In round eight, Gallegos sent Coe down again with a left hook to the body along the ropes. As soon as the ninth bell rang, Gallegos went directly at Coe and dropped him with a combination and referee Eric Dali stopped the bout at seven seconds.

Gallegos, 174 lbs of Los Mochis, MEX is 21-2-1 with 18 knockouts. Coe, 175 lbs of Jersey City, NJ is 9-1-1.

Reflecting on his preparation coming into the fight, Gallegos said, “This is a very good division, so I had to train hard. I had a long training camp up in Monterrey with my friends there. I have to thank my trainers that put me through my paces, and I think you saw the fruits of that labor of my long preparation in the ring tonight.”

He added, “I don’t know what’s next but I’m open to all options. I’ll let my promoter, and my team decide, but I’ll face whoever they put in front of me. I’m ready. I’ll stay at this weight. I like the 175-pound division – a lot of opportunities at this weight.”

Ammo Williams Takes out Garrido in 5

Austin Williams stopped Gian Garrido iin round five of their eight-round middleweight bout.

The right eye of Garrido began to swell in round two.

In round five, Williams battered Garrido all over the ring and then landed a booming left that forced referee Harvey Dock to stop the bout at 1:04.

When asked how Williams felt to have a win back under his belt he responded, “Man I feel amazing. I’m a champion. I’m a true champion in every sense of the word…I just came to make a statement and let y’all know I’m back, I’m a champion, and I’m coming for that world championship. Anybody at my weight can get it.

Ismail Muhammad remained undefeated with a four-round unanimous decision over Nelson Morales in a welterweight contest.

Muhammad, 145.8 lbs of Philadelphia won by scores of 40-36 on all cards and is now 6-0. Morales, 145.8 lbs of Scranton, PA is 5-19.

Morales was cut around the left eye in the fourth round.

PHILADELPHIA--Zaquin Moses made a successful debut with a four-round unanimous decision over Michael Ruiz in a super featherweight bout.

Moses, 129.6 lbs of Newark, New Jersey is the cousin of Shakur Stevenson, won by scores of 40-36 on all cards and is now 1-0. Ruiz, 129.6 lbs of Lacey Township, NJ is 1-5.

When asked about entering the ring for the first time as a professional, the three-time national amateur champion replied, “It was a learning experience. This was my first fight, so it was all new to me, the eight ounce [gloves] was new to me, fighting with no headgear was new to me. I never fought without headgear before. I like it better than the amateurs.”

Dennis Thompson opened the night with a second round stoppage over Edgar Ortiz Jr, in a scheduled four-round super bantamweight bout.

Thompson battered Ortiz all over the ring until Eric Dali stopped the bout at 2:59.

Thompson, 121.8 lbs of Philadelphia is a stablemate of Jaron Ennis is now 3-0 with two knockouts. Ortiz, 121.2 lbs of Phoenix is 8-6-2.

“I feel like I was calm in this fight, I was able to put my shots together and I worked on my speed and combinations in this fight,” said Thompson. 

LIVE ON BEFORE THE BELL FROM 5.15PM ET4 x 3 mins Super-Bantamweight contest

DENNIS THOMPSON (121.8lbs)      vs.          EDGAR ORTIZ JR. (121.2lbs)
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania                                 Phoenix, Arizona

Followed by

4 x 3 mins Super-Featherweight contest

ZAQUIN MOSES (129.6lbs)  vs.          MICHAEL RUIZ (129.6lbs)
Newark, New Jersey                                    Lacey Township, New Jersey

Followed by

6 x 3 mins Welterweight contest

ISMAIL MUHAMMAD (145.8lbs)       vs.          NELSON MORALES (145.8lbs)
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania                                 Scranton, Pennsylvania

LIVE ON DAZN FROM 7PM ET

8 x 3 mins Middleweight contest

AUSTIN WILLIAMS (162.2lbs) vs. GIAN GARRIDO (162.2lbs)
Houston, Texas                                Queens, New York

Followed by

10 x 3 mins USWBC Light-Heavyweight title

KHALIL COE (175lbs)                vs.          MANUEL GALLEGOS (174lbs)
Jersey City, New Jersey                              Los Mochis, Mexico

Followed by

10 x 3 mins WBA Continental North American Super-Featherweight title

RAYMOND FORD (130lbs) vs. ORLANDO GONZALEZ (130lbs)
Camden, New Jersey.               Aguadilla, Puerto Rico

Followed by

12 x 3 mins WBC World and Ring Magazine Super-Flyweight titles

JESSE ‘BAM’ RODRIGUEZ (114.8lbs) vs. PEDRO GUEVARA (114.4lbs)
San Antonio, Texas.                                      Sinaloa, Mexico      

Followed by

12 x 3 mins IBF World Welterweight title

JARON ENNIS (146lbs)              vs.           KAREN CHUKHADZHIAN (146.6lbs)
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania                          Kiev, Ukraine