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

Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis has sent a warning to his fellow World champions by saying believes he’s not even shown half of what he is capable of in the ring as he prepares to defend his IBF World Welterweight title against Karen Chukhadzhian on Saturday night (November 9) at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, live worldwide on DAZN – on a stacked card where Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez defends his WBC World and Ring Magazine Flyweight titles against Pedro Guevara.

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW VIA TICKETMASTER.COMEnnis (32-0 29 KOs) steps back through the ropes in his hometown arena for the second time following a spectacular homecoming night in July, where he forced David Avanesyan to retire after five rounds in the first defense of his title.

The 27 year old’s clash with mandatory challenger Chukhadzhian (24-2 13 KOs) will be a rematch of their fight in January 2023, where Boots pitched a shut-out in Washington DC. Chukhadzhian has notched three wins since then to move into the mandatory position for Ennis’ belt, but in the build-up to tomorrow’s return, the Philly star promises that the fight will look very different to the first bout now that he’s back having fun again – which is bad news for his fellow title holders in 2025 if he sees the Ukrainian off.

“In the first fight with Chukhadzhian,” said Ennis. “It was just me getting away from having fun. My mindset was just knockout, knockout, knockout. You can’t go into a fight like that, and I never usually do, I just go in, have my fun and put on a show. But that whole training camp, I wasn’t enjoying it, I was just thinking ‘I’m here to hurt everybody’ and that’s how I was in the gym, and it wasn’t good.

“Once I got back to having fun, you could see afterwards I was having my fun and when I do that, the stoppages come, don’t look for it. So, it was nothing about him, he’s got nothing I’ve not seen before, it’s all about me. I just thought ‘I’m going to knock this guy out’, you can’t go in there like that, you have to listen to the game plan, but I didn’t do that. So that performance is all on me, nothing to do with him. What I did from the seventh to the 12th rounds is what I should have done from the start, jabbing to the body, and every time I did cut him off, I was rushing my work. There’s a lot of things from that fight – but I’ve learned, and that’s what matters.

“The key to success is just having fun, that’s it. You have to listen, stay behind the jab and things like that, but the main key is having fun – if you do that, it makes camp better, the fights better, everything, it just flows.

“I think you’ve only seen 35-40 per cent of me so far for real, for real, I haven’t had to go into my bag to do anything yet. When the opposition gets better, I think it brings more out of you, but who knows, just because a guy is good, it doesn’t mean he’s going to do anything towards me, I might beat him easy.

“I want to be an all-time legend, one of the best ever to do it. I don’t feel that I really have to prove anything, I’m just doing what I need to do for myself, my family and my legacy. I don’t have to prove anything to anyone.

“I want to unify and collect the belts, but it’s OK, we’re staying busy and we’re dealing with the mandatory, and that’s going to keep me rolling, keep my name out there, keep my skills and talent going up, so everything is OK.

“It’s out of my hands, I did the best that I could behind the scenes to make the fights happen, but it’s OK, we’re going to meet these guys. I think they are lacking confidence, they don’t believe in themselves, because they know what’s in front of them, that Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis is in front of them, a different type of monster, a different type of beast, the king of the 147lbs division. They know what comes with that.

“I’m tired of talking about Crawford. I’ve been trying to get that fight but I don’t worry about that now, we’re tried multiple times. They don’t want the fight, so people need to go and ask them. I’ve tried, but I don’t care anymore, he’s chasing who he’s chasing, I’m focusing on what I’ve got going on right now – but it’s always going to be ‘yes’ on my side.

“Everyone wants to see it, but I get tired of talking about it because right now it doesn’t look realistic as he’s calling out Canelo and stuff like that, so it is what it is. I’ll fight anyone, anywhere, it doesn’t matter to me.”

Boots and Bam headline a stacked night of action in Philadelphia, with former World champion Raymond ‘Savage’ Ford will return to action up at Super-Featherweight when he takes on Orlando Gonzalez, Light-Heavyweight talent Khalil ‘Big Steppa’ Coe takes on Manuel Gallegos, Ernesto ‘Tito’ Mercado makes his Matchroom debut against Jesus Saracho over ten rounds at Super-Lightweight and Austin Williams returns to the ring over eight rounds at 160lbs against Gian Garrido.

Boots Promotions duo Dennis Thompson and Ismail Muhammad return to the ring, and there’s a debut on the card for the hotly-touted Zaquin Moses, the cousin of pound-for-pound superstar Shakur Stevenson, stepping through the ropes for the first time over four rounds at Super-Featherweight.

Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez says he knows he has to be on his game tomorrow night to set up a stellar 2025, as he prepares to defend his WBC World and Ring Magazine World Flyweight titles against Pedro Guevara at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on Saturday November 9, live worldwide on DAZN, on a night where he shares top billing with local star Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis on the top of the stacked card, as Ennis defends his IBF World Welterweight title against mandatory challenger Karen Chukhadzhian.

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW VIA TICKETMASTER.COM

Bam (20-0 13 KOs) has already recorded a career-best performance in 2024, knocking out Juan Francisco Estrada in seven thrilling rounds in Phoenix in June, to add the Mexican legend’s name to that of Sunny Edwards, Srisaket Sor Rungvisai and Carlos Cuadras to the San Antonio starlets impressive CV.

In Guevara (42-4-1 22 KOs), Bam faces another Mexican foe that will be giving everything to rip the belts away. The former WBC Light-Flyweight champion landed the interim WBC World Super-Flyweight title with an impressive away day win over Andrew Maloney in Perth, Australia in May, and the vastly experienced 35 year old can become a two-weight World ruler with victory tomorrow night, and the champion is all to aware of the threat the challenger poses.

“I know that this is a very dangerous fight,” said Rodriguez. “It’s a huge opportunity for him, probably the biggest of his career, so he’ll be hungrier than ever to take what I have. But I don’t see anyone beating me, I’m on a different level mentally and physically, so on November 9 you’ll witness me putting on another show.

“This is an important fight because there’s huge things that can happen if I can beat him. I’m taking this just as seriously as my recent fights. Whatever people say I don’t let it get to me, whether it’s good or bad. I know Pedro is going to come with everything, winning this fight can change his life, but sorry to him, I’m not going to let that happen. My life is in a good position right now, so to even perform badly is going to look bad on me. I’m coming to shine on November 9.

“I know he’s never been stopped but I believe I can stop him. If I want to look good and make a statement, I’m going to go out there and look to stop him.

“I have to get past this fight first but the goal is to go for undisputed in 2025. I’m taking this fight as seriously as ever, training my ass off like any other fight, we’re going to handle business and then we can talk about 2025. 

“You don’t want to miss this because Boots and I are two of the best fighters in boxing and on November 9 we’re going to go out and perform and shine. You’re going to witness a great show from the both of us. And Still.”

Boots and Bam headline a stacked night of action in Philadelphia, with former World champion Raymond ‘Savage’ Ford will return to action up at Super-Featherweight when he takes on Orlando Gonzalez, Light-Heavyweight talent Khalil ‘Big Steppa’ Coe takes on Manuel Gallegos, Ernesto ‘Tito’ Mercado makes his Matchroom debut against Jesus Saracho over ten rounds at Super-Lightweight and Austin Williams returns to the ring over eight rounds at 160lbs against Gian Garrido.

Boots Promotions duo Dennis Thompson and Ismail Muhammad return to the ring, and there’s a debut on the card for the hotly-touted Zaquin Moses, the cousin of pound-for-pound superstar Shakur Stevenson, stepping through the ropes for the first time over four rounds at Super-Featherweight.

By Norn Frauenheim-

Matchroom is calling it Two Kings, which is a couple of face cards from Four Kings, George Kimball’s terrific book about a four-way rivalry that has become a reference point in boxing history. 

Many aspire to be the next Four Kings. But there will never be another four quite like Sugar Ray Leonard, Marvin Hagler, Thomas Hearns and Roberto Duran.

Still, half of the famed four is a pretty good hand, a bet that will pay off for promoter Eddie Hearn if welterweight champion Jaron “Boots” Ennis and super-fly champ Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez achieve all of their advertised potential. 

The pair will be there Saturday — each an emerging champion in a doubleheader show of main events —  at Philadelphia’s Wells Fargo Center on a DAZN card that figures to provide a promising look, rare these days in a sport desperate for young stars.

Ennis is 27 and Rodriguez 24, which makes them about a generation younger than Tyson Fury, 36, and Oleksandr Usyk, 37, the middle-aged players in the much-hyped heavyweight rematch December 21 in Saudi Arabia. 

Fury-Usyk is a step toward retirement. Ennis-versus-Karen Chukhadshian and Rodriguez-versus-Pedro Guevara are about who’s next. What’s next.

Make no mistake, Fury-Usyk 2 is still intriguing. But some of the anticipation has faded. It’s a little bit stale, a lot like one of Fury’s jokes.

In Ennis and Rodriguez, there’s the unlimited optimism that comes with youth. That also creates a problem, at least it does for the unbeaten Ennis (32-0, 29 KOs), a huge talent fans hope to see and rivals hope to elude. 

Ennis’ versatile skillset has been evident for a couple of years. It’s also been impressive enough to put him on top of the list for most-avoided, a problematic category. 

It’s not a good place to be, an ongoing dilemma that has led to a rematch with Chukhadshian (24-,1 KOs), who in 2023 lost a one-sided decision to Ennis in Washington DC.

A sequel is not something anybody really wants. Fans were thinking more about Terence Crawford or maybe Vergil Ortiz. It’s no secret that Ennis has wanted to fight Crawford, a former undisputed welterweight champion who won a junior-middleweight belt in his last appearance. 

But the accomplished Crawford has shown no interest in a challenging date with the younger man. In media interviews this week, Ennis has said he’s moved on, beyond the Crawford possibility. He said he has tried to talk Errol Spence and/or Keith Thurman into fighting him. Apparently, no takers there either.

“It is what it is,’’ Ennis told reporters. “I’m going to be great, regardless.’’

The path to being great, however, is tricky. Ennis, who will be fighting in hometown Philly for the second straight time, can only get there if he proves himself to be a draw — at the box office and on live-stream telecasts. 

That’s where Rodriguez (20-0, 13 KOs) enters the equation, a main-event fighter whose drawing power became evident in his last fight before a roaring crowd of about 10,000 in downtown Phoenix in late June. 

That’s when he stopped Juan Francisco Estrada in a masterful performance. It was also a victory that allowed him to add to his nickname. Bam is also “The Legend Slayer.’’ 

For Rodriguez, the stop in Philly against the 35-year-old Guevara (42-4-1, 22 KOs) is a step toward proving he can be a legend as well as a slayer. Also, it’s an opportunity for him to affirm the emerging stardom that was

evident at Footprint Center, the Suns NBA home in downtown Phoenix. 

If Bam can prove to be a draw in Philly, Ennis’ resume could get some important leverage, a card that would also strengthen Hearns’ hand at the table.

The Two Kings: Jaron “Boots” Ennis and Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez, and their respective opponents, Karen Chukhadzhian and Pedro Guevara, held their final press conference at the 2300 Arena today ahead of their world championship bouts on Saturday, November 9 live on DAZN (7 p.m. ET) worldwide from the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pa. 

IBF Welterweight World Champion Ennis (32-0, 29 KOs), who forced David Avanesyan to retire after five rounds in front of his hometown fans in July, returns to the Wells Fargo Center to face his mandatory challenger. “Bam” Rodriguez (20-0, 13 KOs), who defends his WBC World and Ring Magazine Super-Flyweight titles, has surged into the top ten of the pound-for-pound rankings following a sensational knockout of Juan Francisco Estrada in Phoenix, Ariz. in June, solidifying his place among the sport’s elite and reaffirming his status as a must-watch fighter. 

The undercard features former world champion Raymond “Savage” Ford making his return at super featherweight to face Orlando Gonzalez. Light Heavyweight prospect Khalil “Big Steppa” Coe will take on Manuel Gallegos, while Ernesto “Tito” Mercado steps into the ring for his Matchroom debut against Jesus Saracho in a 10-round Super Lightweight clash. Austin Williams returns to action for an eight-round middleweight bout against Gian Garrido. 

Also in action, Boots Promotions’ Dennis Thompson and Ismail Muhammad, alongside rising star Zaquin Moses, cousin of pound-for-pound sensation Shakur Stevenson, who makes his pro debut in a four-round super featherweight contest. This is what they had to say:

EDDIE HEARN

“I think that because of the work we do around the world we have the best roster in boxing. It’s a little unfair because we’re the only global promotion company. In America we have the best stable in boxing. You look at the talent on this card, this is one of the most beautiful fight cards you can see on Saturday night. Of course, you have the two kings, Jesse and Boots, but beneath that you have Ray Ford, Gonzalez, that’s a brilliant fight. Khalil Coe, that’s a future world champion. “Ammo” Williams, Tito Mercado in a war. You have Zaquin Moses making his debut, it’s just stacked with talent and I’m very privileged and honored to be a part of these young mens careers. I’m also very privileged to promote in the wonderful city of Philadelphia at Wells Fargo Center on Saturday.”

JARON ENNIS

“I’m not going to lie, he’s getting knocked out on Saturday. We’re gonna have some fun, we’re gonna put on a show. It doesn’t matter what he does, we’re going to put on a show and make a big statement Saturday night. We’re gonna have a party.”

“I’m going to have my fun and put on a show. I’m going to just be me and dictate the fight. It’s my ring, he’s in my world.”

“My main focus right now is Karen Chukhadzhian and after I make a big statement Saturday night in knockout fashion, it’s undisputed. Bring me my belts.”

KAREN CHUKHADZHIAN

“I’m ready for Saturday night as the last two years we have worked so hard and have got better each day. I’m going to show my improvements to people. Of course I’m going to fight him (Ennis) you will see a great fight. I’m here to be a world champion and that’s why I’m here and to prove it to people.”

JESSE RODRIGUEZ

“To share the card with “Boots” Ennis, one of the best in all of boxing, is an honor and a huge opportunity to expose my career to the East Coast fans. I’m just blessed to be sharing a card with Boots at the end of the day”

PEDRO GUEVARA

“I really prepared for this bout as I’ve been waiting for this many times. I’m prepared physically and mentally for this bout and I know Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez is a great fighter and the best in the division and we want to be an honorable opponent for him. We don’t take this easily and I respect this sport and my opponent. Boxing is a beautiful sport right now.”

RAYMOND FORD

“Every fight is a must win fight, it doesn’t matter who it is. It can be someone you just picked up off the street, it’s a must win. I’m excited to be back in Philly, I haven’t been back here since my pro debut. I get to fight in front of my friends, my family, and my true supporters.”

“I feel like I’m the big dog in the division now and I just got here, but it’s up to me Saturday night to handle business and focus solely on Orlando Gonzalez. I have to take care of him and then I can get these other big fights.”

“I feel like [Gonzalez] is scared. When he gets in there with top notch competition he folds up… I’m gonna punish him”

ORLANDO GONZALEZ

“I’m a different kind of fighter. He is moving up to 130 lbs and this is going to be a walk in the park. This is going to be a real fight, so I invite every fan around the world that watches DAZN and Matchroom Boxing, as well as all the Puerto Ricans in the area to come here and wave your flag because Wells Fargo Center is going to be all us Saturday night.”

“I grew up sparring against a southpaw, so bringing another southpaw into the ring is nothing different for me. I know [Ford] has experience and is a former world champion, but I have the talent, I have the heart, and for Puerto Ricans boxing is a culture. We came here to win. We didn’t come here just to put on a good fight. We’re here to win.”

KHALIL COE

“I know he’s coming to fight and he’s tough, but I’m ready to go to war. He’s going to bring the fight to me and that’s what I want. We are going to see if this is a step up come Saturday. I got accustomed to the professional life and living the lifestyle of boxing. It’s not just when the fight comes I get ready, it’s a lifestyle that I have to do everyday.” 

MANUEL GALLEGOS

“People say my opponent is a monster and I get that, but we are totally prepared for that and even more. The way I feel now and everything that goes into making the weight and the effort I put into it has helped me feel stronger than I previously did.”

ERNESTO MERCADO

“Saracho is just another step in my way and I want the big names such as Paro vs. Hitchins and the winner of that. It’s all about taking care of business on Saturday night. I appreciate Saracho taking this fight on Saturday night because he’s going to get knocked out. I’m looking for bigger names. Anything that Saracho tries to do to make it more difficult for me on fight night we are ready for it.”

JESUS SARACHO

“Whenever a Mexican goes into the ring, it’s a case of you not being able to take your eyes off the TV. I think this is going to steal many eyes and people to watch this fight on Saturday. This is an opportunity to show what I can do and I think I am going to move on to bigger things.”

AUSTIN WILLIAMS

“This feels like a pro-debut number two. I’m coming back stronger from everything I learned, the highs, the lows, my team, everybody with me, and it’s important to know these things as we take this next chapter all the way to the top. I am one of the original guys that started with Matchroom and to see that loyalty reciprocated makes me feel great and excited to give you a big show on Saturday.”

ISMAIL MUHAMMAD

“I can’t wait, I’m more than blessed to have this opportunity to showcase my talent on this big platform and put on a show come Saturday night.”

“It’s important to fight here and get grounded here just to have the city behind you, knowing that this is your biggest support system being at home. It’s big. It’s amazing.”

ZAQUIN MOSES

“I’m ready to show the world that there is a new face in boxing. I’m ready to show my skills.”

“We push each other, we work hard, and Raymond Ford he pushed me to every limit… Shakur, he gave me the advice that I need. I’m blessed.”

Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis is a ready to shine bright on home soil once again as he prepares to defend his IBF World Welterweight title against Karen Chukhadzhian on Saturday night (November 9) at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, live worldwide on DAZN – on a stacked card where Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez defends his WBC World and Ring Magazine Flyweight titles against Pedro Guevara.

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Ennis (32-0 29 KOs) steps back through the ropes in his hometown arena for the second time following a spectacular homecoming night in July, where he forced David Avanesyan to retire after five rounds in the first defense of his title.

The 27 year old’s clash with mandatory challenger Chukhadzhian (24-2 13 KOs) will be the first time he’s had back-to-back fights in Philadelphia since an eight-round fight in December 2017 was followed by a six-round outing in January 2018. ‘Boots’ is determined to keep filling his new home after having a blast in July against Avanesyan and is even eyeing up a fight at the home of the Philadelphia Eagles, if he can keep collecting belts and growing in his city.

“Fighting at the Wells Fargo Center for my first hometown show in a long time, it was amazing,” said Ennis. “It was a great atmosphere in there, it was a blessing, it was crazy. People were saying it was like a family reunion, a concert and like being on the block, all rolled into one, and I’m ready to do it again.

“It was important to look good in July, it always is, but more so then. The fans love me and they want to see me put on a show and knock people out. That’s what I do and that’s what I’m going to do again, have my fun and get the KO.

“It was a cool performance, but I did feel off and rusty. My timing was a little bit off, I was missing shots that I never miss, but having this fast turn around and get right back into the mix of things is going to be even better. I’ll be more on point this time, much sharper, my defense will be on point, and I’m going to have fun. This is the one, don’t miss this one.

“Every time I step out in Philadelphia, whether it’s the Wells Fargo or Lincoln Financial Field, who knows, maybe I can get a fight that’s big enough to fight there, but it’s always going to be bigger and better every time.”

Bam and Boots headline a stacked night of action in Philadelphia, with former World champion Raymond ‘Savage’ Ford will return to action up at Super-Featherweight when he takes on Orlando Gonzalez, Light-Heavyweight talent Khalil ‘Big Steppa’ Coe takes on Manuel Gallegos, Ernesto ‘Tito’ Mercado makes his Matchroom debut against Jesus Saracho over ten rounds at Super-Lightweight and Austin Williams returns to the ring over eight rounds at 160lbs against Gian Garrido.

Boots Promotions duo Dennis Thompson and Ismail Muhammad return to the ring, and there’s a debut on the card for the hotly-touted Zaquin Moses, the cousin of pound-for-pound superstar Shakur Stevenson, stepping through the ropes for the first time over four rounds at Super-Featherweight.
 

Raymond ‘Savage’ Ford will return to action up at Super-Featherweight when he takes on Orlando Gonzalez at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on Saturday November 9, live worldwide on DAZN – with Ford leading the undercard that also features Light-Heavyweight talent Khalil ‘Big Steppa’ Coe taking on Manuel Gallegos and Ernesto ‘Tito’ Mercado making his Matchroom debut, all in support of the blockbuster World championship double-header as hometown hero Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis headlines at Wells Fargo Center once again, defending his IBF World Welterweight title against Karen Chukhadzhian and Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez defends his WBC and Ring Magazine World Super-Flyweight titles against Pedro Guevara.
 

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Ford (15-1-1 8 KOs) makes the move to 130lbs and does so with ambitions of becoming a two-weight World ruler. The Camden ace landed the WBA World title at 126lbs in March with a stunning last-gasp KO win over Otabek Kholmatov in upstate New York and was edged out in his first defense via split decision against Nick Ball in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in June.

The 25 year old will be looking to put his new division on notice with a stand-out performance in Philadelphia where the WBA Continental North American title will be on the line over ten rounds, but ‘Savage’ faces a Puerto Rican in fine form in Gonzalez (23-2 12 KOs). Wins over the distance against Ramiro Cesena and Jose Casteneda look good on the 29 year old’s CV, and he’ll be looking to ruin Ford’s introduction to the division.

“All the champs at 130lbs better watch out because I’m coming for all of those straps,” said Ford. “I don’t have to do a whole lot of talking, people know what I can do when I’m at the top of my game. Right now, I’m in Colorado working hard and people are going to see the end result on November 9. Two-weight World champ coming soon, no doubt!

“This is my first fight so close to home since I made my pro debut so it’s great to be back there and I know there’s a lot of people going to come out and support.”

“I’d like to thank Probox, Garry, Chris and Daniel, and Matchroom for the opportunity,” said Gonzalez. “Ray Ford is a World-level fighter and I’m going to show I’m on his level and beyond. It’s going to be a great fight.”

Coe (9-0-1 7 KOs) will be itching to get back to the city of brotherly love, where he shone on the undercard of Boots’ win over David Avanesyan in July. ‘Big Steppa’ had the crowd on their feet as he pummeled Kwame Ritter inside two rounds of their clash for the vacant USWBC Light-Heavyweight title, a belt he puts on the line for the first time and in search of a fifth straight win inside the distance.

Standing in his way is Gallegos (20-2-1 17 KOs) the Mexican that returns to action for the first time since tackling another rising star from Eddie Hearn’s stateside stable, when he met Diego Pacheco in July 2023, and now moving up from 168lbs to look to halt Coe’s rise.

“November 9, Philly stand-up,” said Coe. “We back. Big Steppa – coming through. Fighting in Philly is like being home for me, and having the opportunity to put on another show in front of all my family and friends is extra special and I am ready to put on another spectacular performance.

“I believe that there is no better prospect in boxing than me, and on November 9, Manuel Gallegos is about to find that out the hard way.”

“My name is Manuel Gallegos, ‘el Meño’, and I’m ready for my next fight against Khalil Coe,” said Gallegos. “I’m hugely motivated and can’t wait to fight in this weight division where I feel great.”

Mercado (16-0 15 KOs) penned a deal with Matchroom after Hearn fought off fierce competition for his signature, and the 22 year old will be looking to continue his brilliant 2024 with a fourth win inside the distance. ‘Tito’ will be in action over ten rounds at Super-Lightweight, against an opponent to be named soon.

Austin Williams returns to the ring over eight rounds at 160lbs, eager to get back to winning ways. Williams (16-1 11 KOs) gamely battled Hamzah Sheeraz for the WBC Silver title in the Matchroom vs. Queensberry 5 vs. 5 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in June, taking plenty from his brave performance against the powerful Brit.

Dennis Thompson (2–0 1 KO) and Ismail Muhammad (5-0 3 KOs) both recorded points wins on the undercard of Ennis’ win over David Avanesyan in July in Philadelphia, and the Boots Promotions duo are back again under their mentor over four rounds at Super-Flyweight and six rounds at Welterweight respectively, and there’s a debut on the card for the hotly-touted Zaquin Moses, the cousin of pound-for-pound superstar Shakur Stevenson, stepping through the ropes for the first time over four rounds at Super-Featherweight.

“This is going to be some night in Philadelphia,” said Hearn. “Boots and Bam are two of the very best that there is, and we have a brilliant supporting cast before those two pound-for-pound stars strut their stuff.

“Ray is back and is ready to meet any champion at 130lbs to become a two-weight king, while Khalil is like a runaway train right now, he’s going to be knocking very loudly on the door of the contenders at Light-Heavyweight.

“Ammo showed incredible guts and heart against Hamzah, and he will have learned so much from that night to go again in his career, and I cannot wait to let Tito off the leash and showcase his immense talent on the big stage. It’s another big night for Dennis and Ismail fighting for Boots Promotions, and watch out for Zaquin making his pro debut, there’s a massive buzz around this young man.”

Two pound-for-pound superstars will light up Philadelphia on November 9 as hometown hero Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis headlines at Wells Fargo Center once again, defending his IBF World Welterweight title against Karen Chukhadzhian and Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez defends his WBC and Ring Magazine World Super-Flyweight titles against Pedro Guevara, live worldwide on DAZN.

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Ennis (32-0 29 KOs) thrilled his hometown crowd at Wells Fargo in July, forcing David Avanesyan to retire on his stool after five rounds to make the maiden defense of his IBF crown. ‘Boots’ boxed in his Philadelphia backyard for the first time since November 2018 on that night, and his city showed out, recording the highest attendance for a boxing event in Philadelphia for over 40 years.

The 27 year old has reiterated his desire to become undisputed at 147lbs, and to do so, must first see off his mandatory challenger in Chukhadzhian (24-2 13 KOs). The Ukrainian has already faced Boots in Washington in January 2023, but since that night has collected impressive wins over Pietro Rossetti (TKO 9, October, Munich) and Harry Scarff (UD, May, Hamburg) to land the mandatory spot for Boots’ prized belt.

Boots is joined on the card by two-weight ruler Rodriguez (20-0 13 KOs), who skyrocketed into the top five pound-for-pound rankings with Ring Magazine following his stunning KO win over Juan Francisco Estrada in Phoenix in June, with a brutal body shot in the seventh round seeing ‘Bam’ rip the titles from the Mexican star.

Bam will be seeking a third straight win inside the distance having forced Briton Sunny Edwards to retire after nine rounds of their Flyweight unification battle in December in Arizona, but in Guevara (42-4-1 22 KOs), he faces another Mexican foe that will be giving everything to rip the belts away. The former WBC Light-Flyweight champion landed the interim WBC World Super-Flyweight title with an impressive away day win over Andrew Maloney in Perth, Australia in May, and the vastly experienced 35 year old can become a two-weight World ruler with victory on November 9.

“I’m excited to be back headlining in my city again,” said Ennis. “I’m ready to continue dominating the division, making a big statement and showing everyone why I’m the best Welterweight in the world!

“It’s time to have some fun, keep crushing whoever is in front of me, put on a beautiful, dominant, crushing performance in front of my family, friends and supporters, while defending and retaining my IBF world title in spectacular fashion. It’s time!”

“Dear boxing fans,” said Chukhadzhian. “I want to share with you the good news: on November 9 we will fight for the IBF World title against Ennis.

“I will have enough time to prepare and show a beautiful and spectacular fight! Champ, get ready for the battle, it will be hot!”

“On November 9 tune in to DAZN, get your tickets and witness another exciting performance,” said Rodriguez. “My belts aren’t going anywhere! And still!”

“I am very happy to have this opportunity to fight Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez,” said Guevara. “I am very grateful to Matchroom, JD Promotions and Bxstrs for getting me this fight.

“I am telling you right away that I am going to prepare to put on a war and a great show and to win on November 9 in Philadelphia. I am going with everything and for everything, Viva Mexico and Viva Mazatlan, Sinaloa.”

“What a night we have in store in Philadelphia on November 9 – two of boxing’s elite stars on the same card to thrill the fans,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Boots’ return to Philly in July was a spectacular night, the fans and the city got right behind him, and I can’t wait to return there and keep building this superstar on his doorstep.

“And what can you say about Bam? His win over Estrada will be one of the performances of the year when the awards are handed out, and he rightly landed in the top five of the pound- for-pound list after it. Jesse is a bonafide superstar in his own right, so to have him join Jaron on this card is a massive treat for Philly’s great fight fans – and there’s plenty more great talents to be added to a night that is not to be missed.”

By Norm Frauenheim –

So far, it’s been a summer defined by a new face, Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez, and a resurrected one, Jaron “Boots” Ennis. Now, it’s Terence Crawford’s turn to make a statement about himself and his place in an evolving game.

Safe to say, it’s changing.

Safe also to say, that nothing has changed about Crawford or his unshakable belief about where he belongs. 

Bud is back to re-affirm — or perhaps remind us with a re-make of legend Roy Jones Jr.’s Ya’ll Must’ve Forgot lyric — that his pound-for-pound dominance has defied time’s inevitable corrosiveness over the many months since beating Errol Spence last year with a masterful performance powerful enough to belong in just about any time.

Crawford, undisputed at welterweight and junior-welter, gets that chance on August 3 when he re-enters the bully pulpit at a heavier weight, 154 pounds, against Isrial Madrimov, a first time junior-middleweight champion, in an intriguing bout at a new arena on some historical real estate in Los Angeles. 

It’s a fight about possibilities and risk. It’s also a fight generating ticket sales and anticipation among fans anxious to see Crawford for the first time in about 13 months. He’s 36-years-old. He’ll be 37 in September, an age which usually means a fighter is beginning to exit his prime. Time and again, however, Crawford proves he’s unusual. 

Against Spence, his brilliance prompted many to wonder, indeed argue, whether he could have held his own in the 1970s and 1980s against Sugar Ray Leonard, Marvin Hagler, Roberto Duran and Thomas Hearns, writer George Kimball’s Four Kings. We’ll never really know. 

Nevertheless, Crawford might be the only fighter in today’s generation that some believe could have had a real chance — could have been a Fifth King — in what was a golden era. 

Some argue that pay-per-view star Canelo Álvarez belongs in the argument. Maybe, he does. It’s an interesting debate. Actually, it’s more than that.  It could be settled within the ropes instead of only in the imagination. 

Crawford-versus-Canelo is a real possibility — perhaps the biggest — attached to Crawford’s bid to win a fourth title at a fourth weight against Madrimov. Saudi Prince and Promoter Turki Alalshikh has the money to make it happen. 

After all, Saudi money is making the Los Angeles card happen, a first for the Riyadh Season, which is moving from the  Middle East to a longtime, lively fight town on the West Coast. Unlike Riyadh, there’ll actually be a crowd there, one which figures to include a huge number of Mexican and Mexican-American fans. Canelo fans.

They’ve known about the Crawford-Canelo possibility. They’ve heard the talk for months. Among fight fans — a diminishing population, there’s skepticism because of the difference in weight. 

Canelo is the undisputed super-middleweight champion, 168 pounds, two divisions higher than the weight Crawford will be at for the first time against Madrimov. On the scale, it just looks like a jump too far. 

Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn believes it is. He says Canelo-Crawford won’t happen, mostly because it puts Canelo in a no-win situation. 

The Mexican, Hearn says, wouldn’t get credit for a win. Because of his weight advantage, he’d be expected to win easily. But Canelo, who lost to Dmitry Bivol in a jump to light-heavyweight in 2022, is seeking only credit attached to a dollar sign. Prince Alalshikh has that kind of credit — seven figures and more — to offer.

Still, Hearn believes Crawford will discover on Aug. 3 that he already has gone too far up the scale. Hearn believes Madrimov, a mostly unknown Uzbek with reported power and athleticism, can win. Of course, Hearn has to say that. He is Madrimov’s promoter

“These great fighters only get beaten when they go up the scale,’’ Hearn said at a news conference when Crawford-Madrimov was formally announced. “I’m hoping.”

Crawford was seated down the table from Hearn for the live-streamed newser.

“You hoping?’’ Crawford, already knowing the answer, interrupted. 

Hearn already knows what happens when you pick against Crawford. In March 2014, Crawford traveled to Scotland and scored a unanimous decision over Hearns-promoted Ricky Burns for his first significant title, the World Boxing Organization’s lightweight belt.

Still, Hearn’s many-sided interests includes another possibility: Crawford against Ennis. Ennis is coming off an impressive fifth-round stoppage of David Avanesyan in a Philadelphia homecoming last Saturday. 

Ennis, a 27-year-old welterweight champion, has long talked about a chance to fight Crawford. If the unbeaten Crawford loses or even struggles at 154 pounds against Madrimov, forget Canelo. 

Then, Hearn believes Crawford-versus-Ennis could happen in a season that might be remembered for Bam, Boots and Bud. Hearn said the possibility has already been mentioned in a conversation with Turki Alalshikh.

“He said if there’s no Canelo fight, he wants to make Boots-versus-Crawford,’’ Hearn said. “Would we do it? The answer: Of course.’’

But the aforementioned if leaves little doubt about Prince Alalshikh’s priority. First and foremost, he wants Crawford-Canelo in a bout that would attract so-called crossover fans for what could deliver a decisive answer, rare in any day and especially so in today’s balkanized business.

Who’s the best, Crawford or Canelo? On the historical scale, it would matter. It would determine the best fighter since the Floyd Mayweather era and perhaps one good enough to be a Fifth King.  

PHILADELPHIA-–Jaron “Boots” Ennis made a happy homecoming as he stopped gritty David Avanesyan after round five to retain the IBF Welterweight title before a very impressive crowd of 14,119 fans at Wells Fargo Center.

Ennis showed off his immense natural ability by landing some swift and powerful combinations. Ennis landed some serious body shots and slowly started to break down Avanestyan. Avanesyan touched up Ennis by landing some shots as he stood in the pocket against the undefeated champion.

In round five, Avanesyan was having his best round UNTIL, a right hook caught the challenger on the side of the head and the Armenian was sent to the canvas. Ennis continued to land hard combinations and battered Avanesyan at the end of the frame.

In the corner, it was determined that Avanesyan had suffered enough of a beating and the fight was halted.

Ennis, 146.4 lbs is 32-0 with 28 knockouts. Avanesyan, 147 lbs of Newark, ENG is 30-5-1.

Jalil Hackett Decisions Peter Dobson

Jalil Hackett remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Peter Dobson in a welterweight clash.

Dobson controlled the action as he landed some solid combinations. Dobson stood in tough and was able to make the fight closer down the stretch as it was too little. too late as Hackett won by scores of 97-93 twice and 96-94.

Hackett landed 200 of 700 punches. Dobson was 127 of 447.

Hackett, 146.4 lbs of Washington, DC is 9-0. Dobson, 146.6 lbs of Bronx, NY is 16-2.

Skye Nicolson Retains Featherweight Title with Decision over Vargas

Skye Nicolson retained the WBC Featherweight title as she boxed her way to an easy 10-round unanimous decision over Dyana Vargas.

Nicolson boxed and moved perfectly as she opened the fight up by featuring a stiff jab. In the middle rounds Nicolson started landing at will with her straight left. Nicolson was very crafty with her feet as she was always a couple of steps ahead both offensively and defensively for Vargas.

Nicolson landed 135 of 329 punches. Vargas was 28 if 248.

Nicolson, 125.6 lbs of Queensland, AUS won by scores of 100-90 on all cards and is now 11-0. Vargas, 125.6 lbs of The Dominican Republic is 19-2.

Khalil Coe Stops Ritter in 2

Khalil Coe remained undefeated with a two round destruction of Kwame Ritter in their 10-round light heavyweight bout.

In round two, Coe hurt Ritter with a hard left hook. Coe followed the up and landed huge left hook that put Ritter on the canvas. Ritter was hurt and Coe pounced on him by landing hard shots until a right hand knocked Ritter along the ropes and the fight was stopped at 1:59.

Coe, 174 lbs of Jersey City, NJ is 9-0-1 with seven knockouts. Ritter, 173 lb of Baltimore is 11-2.

Christopher Diaz stopped Derlyn Hernandez in round two of their eight-round super featherweight bout.

Diaz, 131.4 lbs of Puerto Rico is 29-4 with 19 knockouts. Hernandez, 131.4 lbs of the Dominican Republic is 12-2-1.

Christian Carto stopped former world title challenger Carlos Buitragp after round three of their eight-round super bantamweight bout.

In round three, Carto scored a knockdown when he landed a right in the corner.. Carto continued to pound away on Buitragp. The corner pulled Buitago out of the fight following the round.

Carto, 124.4 lbs of Philadelphia is 24-1 with 16 knockouts. Buitrago, 125.8 lbs of Managua, NIC is 38-14-1.

Ismail Muhammad staved off an early knockdown and scored one of his own as he won a six-round unanimous decision over Frank Brown in a super lightweight bout.

In round one, Muhammad walked into a perfect right from Brown that put him on the canvas. Later in the round, Brown was cut over his right eye that may have come from a clash of heads during the knockdown punch.

In round four, Muhammad dropped Brown with a right to the top of the head.

Muhammad, 144 lbs of Philadelphia won on two cards by 58-54 scores and 57-55 and is now 5-0. Brown, 144.2 lbs of San Antonio is 3-5-2.

Dennis Thompson made a successful pro debut with a four-round unanimous decision over Fernando Valdez in a bantamweight bout.

Thompson, 116.6 lbs of of Philadelphia battered Valdes and won by scores of 40-36 on all cards and is now 1-0. Valdes, 119.2 lbs of Salta, ARG is 1-8.

First bell – 5.20pm

4 x 3 mins Bantamweight contest
DENNIS THOMPSON (116.6 lbs)        vs.           FERNANDO VALDEZ (119.2 lbs)
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania                                        Salta, Argentina

Followed by

6 x 3 mins Super-Lightweight contest
ISMAIL MUHAMMAD (144 lbs)              vs.           FRANK BROWN (144.2 lbs)
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania                                        San Antonio, Texas

Followed by

8 x 3 mins Super-Bantamweight contest
CHRISTIAN CARTO (124.4 lbs)             vs.           CARLOS BUITRAGO (125.8 lbs)
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania                                        Managua, Nicaragua

Followed by

8 x 3 mins Super-Featherweight contest
CHRISTOPHER DIAZ (131.4 lbs)         vs.           DERLYN HERNANDEZ (131.4 lbs)
Barranquitas, Puerto Rico                                          Monte Plata, Dominican Republic

LIVE WORLDWIDE ON DAZN FROM 8PM

10 x 3 mins USWBC Light-Heavyweight title
KHALIL COE (174 lbs)                                   vs.           KWAME RITTER (173 lbs)
Jersey City, New Jersey                                                  Baltimore, Maryland

Followed by

10 x 2 mins WBC World Featherweight title
SKYE NICOLSON (125.6 lbs)                  vs.           DYANA VARGAS (125.6 lbs)
Queensland, Australia                                                   Sabana Iglesia, Dominican Republic

Followed by

10 x 3 mins WBA Continental North America Welterweight title
JALIL HACKETT (146.4 lbs)                       vs.           PETER DOBSON (146.6 lbs)
Washington, D.C.                                                               Bronx, New York

Followed by

12 x 3 mins IBF World Welterweight title
JARON ENNIS (146.4lbs)                            vs.           DAVID AVANESYAN (147 lbs)
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania                                        Newark, England

By Norm Frauenheim –

The first half of the year ended with Bam. The second half begins with Boots.

Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez’ brilliant stoppage of Juan Francisco Estrada on June 29 and Jaron “Boots” Ennis’ homecoming title defense against David Avanesyan Saturday are a couple of weeks at the heart of a busy boxing year, a problematic 2024 yet still with reasons to be optimistic that it’ll be remembered for more than just Ryan Garcia.

Through the rest of the week, it’s up to Ennis to extend the drama delivered by Rodriguez’ pound-for-pound statement in a seventh-round stoppage of the accomplished Estrada in front of a roaring crowd in Phoenix.

That’s a tall order. But the elements are there. Ennis is at home in Philadelphia, which celebrates its unrivaled boxing heritage with a statue of Rocky on the steps of the city’s Museum of Art. Boxing has always been something of an art form in Philly.

Ennis just looks as if he’ll be the city’s next master. There have been flashes of Ennis’ blend of power and style since his debut in 2016. But boxing’s forever balkanized politics and petty rivalries always seemed to keep him from achieving his projected artistry.

But now Ennis (31-0, 28 KOs) has a new promoter, Matchroom, and a renewed future that begins, the promoters say, Saturday against Avanesyan (30-4-1, 18 KOs) in a DAZN-streamed-welterweight fight at Wells Fargo Center.

Philly fans have noticed. They bought 4,000 tickets in the pre-sale when the fight was first announced with Cody Crowley as the opponent. A month later, Crowley got injured and Avanesyan – knocked out by Terence Crawford in December 2022 – replaced him. Tickets continued to sell. Reportedly, about 10,000 had been sold three days before opening bell.

Call it Ennis’ coming-out party, not unlike Rodriguez’ defining victory over Estrada. Before the super-flyweight bout, it was called a chance for Bam to crash the top five in the pound-for-pound debate. Turns out, that was more than just hype. Bam jumped into the top tier in several ratings, including this one.    

Ennis, who figures to take over the top of the welterweight division in the wake of Crawford’s move up to junior-middle, has fought 31 times, all victories. He’s been fighting long enough to be an aging veteran. But he’s not. He’s just entering his prime, 27, about three years older than the 24-year-old Rodriguez.

Prime means promise. Bam and Boots haven’t squandered theirs. At the heart of boxing in 2024, they’re the future. The guess, perhaps the hope, is that they’ll continue to pursue it in the ring instead of social media.

That brings this column back to Ryan Gracia. He’s in the Bam-and-Boots generation. He’s about a year older than Rodriguez. He’s a couple of years younger than Ennis. But the 25-year-old Garcia has become the poster child for how-not-to-do-it throughout an ongoing story as sad as it is enraging.

He tested positive for a PED and blew off weight before bludgeoning Devin Haney on April 20 after weeks of dark and bizarre behavior on social media. He denied the PED test, alleging some kind of conspiracy about how he had been set-up.

He’s been suspended. But there’s been no suspension of the craziness. Racist remarks on twitter are the latest, including an unforgivable comment about George Floyd, a civil-rights symbol since he was slain on the streets of Minneapolis.

Within 280 characters, Garcia sounded like a rabid racist and a grave robber. Sick, sick stuff. Yet, it continues. He says he’ll go to rehab, but then says he’ll coach his brother instead. He’s been suspended by the New York Commission, his promoter and ruling bodies.

But he stays on social media, almost as if that’s a bigger addiction than any substance. By now, we all know he has a social- media following that only Gallup can count. 

Increasingly, however, his social-media audience is in more control of him than he is control of it. It wants outrage and Garcia delivers, repeatedly elevating the outrage.

It’s dangerous, even more dangerous than boxing, which throughout the first six months of 2024 has been unable to escape the distraction and damage done by the Garcia story.

This Saturday, however, there’s another chance to forget about him, his ongoing decline and his absolute lack of respect for a time-honored craft practiced at the highest level by Rodriguez and Ennis.

If you don’t go to rehab, Ryan Garcia, then just go away. Let the rest of this year be remembered for what Bam did and Boots is about to do. 

Eddie Hearn

“This is a massive night of boxing as Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis defends his IBF World Welterweight title against David Avanesyan here at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia and live worldwide on DAZN – the global home of boxing.

“I can’t wait for Saturday night, the entire bottom tier is now sold out, it’s the biggest fight night in Philly since Marvin Hagler vs. Benny Briscoe some 45 years ago, as one of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the world, Philadelphia’s own Boots Ennis will light up this place with a huge crowd, between 13 and 14,000, maybe even more expected.

“This city is littered with boxing history, it’s a great, great fight city, and now you have big time boxing back in Philadelphia and a young man that we believe can headline this place for many many years to come. Whatever you do, get yourself to the Wells Fargo Center on Saturday and I will promise you a night of boxing you will never forget.”

Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis

“I can’t wait. It’s a blessing to be able to fight here and I’m ready to put on a show and look good doing it. Beat him up, break him down, get the stoppage, and have my fun.

“I feel that I am going to thrive here and put on a beautiful show. I’m fighting at home, I’m comfortable, I’m on the couch with my feet up, so it’s going to be a great show.

“The opponent switch doesn’t really mean anything to me, we have southpaws and orthodox in camp, pressure fighters, boxers, we do everything. We’re standing on business, I’m not going to go in there looking for the stoppage, but I’m going to have my fun, put on a show, but I’ll let the knockout come to me.

“It’s going to be turned up in here. Fireworks. It’s going to be lit up and I’m excited. You are going to see a beautiful show and I’m going to show the world and the 147lb division that I am the best.”

David Avanesyan

“I believe why I am here, God has given me the chance. I know he’s a good fighter, but I’m happy that he is, I only want to fight good fighters, that’s why I am here.

“I’ve fought Crawford, but that’s history. People that know boxing, know me. I’ve had many big fights, this is another good fight and a great chance for me, and I will give everything.”

Derek ‘Bozy’ Ennis, trainer and father of Jaron Ennis

“We want him to come forward. Remember this, we fight inside and outside. Whatever he wants to do, we can do. If he wants to box around and move around, if he wants to fight, we can fight, simple as that. He’ll do what he always does, come straight at you. He’s a good fighter, I can’t take anything away from him, we’d rather fight him than Cody Crowley, because his resume is much stronger.

“It’s not going to go past four rounds. It might hit five, you never know. It all depends on how Boots feels, because we have fun when we box, that’s what we do.

“We’re really proud and it’s a great opportunity to fight here. We appreciate everything you have done for us, and you will see a beautiful show on Saturday night. Every time we come out it’s special, but no-one has taken Boots to another level yet, he’s got more stuff in his arsenal than people think. If David comes out with some good stuff, you’ll see Boots go to another level. I want to thank David and his team for taking the fight. He’s a real fighter.”

Carl Greaves, trainer of David Avanesyan

“We’ve only had four or five weeks’ notice, but one thing with David, he’s always in great shape, always training hard every day. I’m under no illusions that this is a tough task, Boots Ennis is a formidable champion and a great fighter, but on his day, David can beat anybody in the world and we’re expecting a great performance from David and a massive upset.

“There is no pressure on David or the team, he’s been in this position a few times, he’s been the challenger in most of his career and he’s upset some good fighters. He’s been in with one of the best in the world in Crawford, he’s been in hostile territory before, so this is not new to David, so don’t sleep on David because he’s ready for this fight, believe me.”

Alfie Sharman, DAZN

“It means a lot to be here for the homecoming of one of the sport’s very best. We are thrilled to be welcoming Boots to our platform, we believe he’s the real deal, but Saturday is not going to be easy against an experienced and tough opponent in David Avanesyan.

“We’re just weeks away from another amazing night on DAZN this time in LA for the Riyadh Season LA card on August 3, with some of the most exciting fighters and biggest names like Andy Cruz, Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz, Andy Ruiz, and of course the pound-for-pound number one Terence Crawford looking to add another strap to his collection.

“It’s a brilliant time to be a boxing fan, and a brilliant time to be on DAZN, the global home of boxing.”

Jalil Hackett

“Allegedly I’ve been knocked out in sparring. Probably a lot of other stuff that allegedly happened. But one thing I know for sure is he got his ass whopped by Conor Benn back in February and he’s going to see on Saturday night.

“He’s a jumped-up journeyman. I can guarantee this fight won’t go the distance. I’m overly anxious and overly-excited. This is a knockout I’ve been preparing for my whole life. I’m going to show on Saturday. I’ll bring my best for you because this is the only chance you have of beating me. You are a hyped-up journeyman. I want you to be the same tough guy on Saturday.”

Pete Dobson

“I want thank God, Eddie Hearn, my team and everyone who got me here. I appreciate the opportunity and I’m going to do my best to make the most of it. I fell short last time but I’ll be ready to grasp this with both hands.

“It’s definitely too early for him. In boxing you move up in competition, every boxer has to do it, like Sugar Ray Leonard. It may be his team are chasing the money. I don’t know how they think he’s ready. I’ve seen on social media they saying they will knock me out. I’ve never been knocked out. He’s been knocked out in sparring with 16oz gloves. On Saturday night you’ll see what I’m talking about.

“Eddie, I’m excited for our future together and the big fights we got coming. New patient but it’s the same prescription. On Saturday night I will show everyone what I can do. I feel like I’m going out to stop him but I’m going to pull everything out of my bag. When I fought Conor Benn, I only had a five-week training camp. This time I’ve had a proper camp and I’m 100 per cent ready. You’ll see the real Pistol Pete Dobson and you’ll see me in bigger fights after this.

“He’s only 21 and he’s taken a lot of punishment. He looks like he’s been boxing for 40 years. Bro, Conor Benn would beat you. You’ve fought bums. I’m gonna show you what a real pro is. I’m a professional who has fought at the highest level. I’m way past you

“Tell your daddy you my son for the night. Shout out to your father for doing a good job raising you. But this is boxing and I’m going to f*** you up. Your dad is going to stop the fight, they are stepping you up too fast.”

Skye Nicolson

“I have a lot of respect for Dyana Vargas. I love that i’m being called out now and I don’t need to chase these big fights because they are coming to me. On Saturday night I’ll be more than ready. I was born for the big stage and the filled-out arenas, and I am going to put on a great performance for all the fans.”

Dyana Vargas

“First, I want to say thank very much for giving me the opportunity to fight for the World title. Any fighter would be happy and I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity. I think all the preparations. I’ve had over the years has been in search for an opportunity like this. I’m ready to perform on this stage because I feel like my best fights are coming.”

Khalil Coe

“I’m super excited for fight night in Philly. I’ve been training out here with Bozy and Boots for years. We’re going to keep steppin’. He’s excited until he gets in the ring. Everyone has a game plan until they get punched in the face.

“On Saturday, I will make a statement. The top 15 guys are definitely going to hear about me. It’s going to be crazy. We in Philly but it’s going to feel like New Jersey.”

Kwame Ritter

“I’m ready and feeling good. Thank you for the invite. I know I got called up last minute. But to be here in a fight city like Philly, this is it for me. Get ready everyone for an amazing show. I’m ready to test him. He’s a great fighter and I’m eager to get in there and make the best fights. I’m excited.”

Christian Carto

“I’m really excited. I want to thank Eddie Hearn and Matchroom, and Bozy and Boots. I don’t have too much to say except I’m ready and excited to fight. I just want to keep winning, looking good and go on to bigger fights.”

Christoper Diaz

“First of all, I want to thank God, Eddie Hearn and my trainers. Man, I’m back. I’ve been tested at 135 and 130. I want to win the World title. Lamont Roach – I’m coming for you.

“On Saturday night I’m going to take care of business. I’m built for this. After this win big things are coming for me.”

BARRANQUITAS, PR (June 20, 2024) – Boxlab Promotions’ super featherweight contender Christopher “Pitufo” Diaz (28-4, 18 KOs) is set to clash with the undefeated Henry Lebron (19-0, 10 KOs) in a 10-round bout for the WBA Continental America Title. The highly anticipated matchup between two of Puerto Rico’s top fighters, will take place on July 13, 2024, at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA, on the undercard of Jaron Ennis (30-0, 28 KOs) defending his IBF welterweight title against David Avanesyan (30-4-1, 18 KOs). 

The event is promoted by Matchroom Boxing in association with Boxlab Promotions and will be broadcast live globally on DAZN.

Christopher Diaz, who has fought twice for a world title, is eager to make a statement against Lebron. Confident in his training and preparation going into this fight, Diaz is eager for the all-out Puerto Rican showdown.

“This fight is crucial for my career,” said Diaz with less than a month away from the fight. “A win here will put me back in the conversation for a world title fight. We both have Puerto Rican blood running through our veins, so you know this is going to be a vicious battle. I’ve been training harder than ever, focusing on my speed and technique to ensure I’m at my best on fight night.”

“Christopher has always shown tremendous heart and skill in his fights,” stated Amaury Piedra, managing director of Caribe Royale and Diaz’s promoter at Boxlab Promotions, as he believes in Diaz’s potential to come out on top. “Having competed at the championship level on multiple occasions, he knows what it takes to win big fights. I have no doubt that he will rise to the occasion and secure a victory against Lebron. Everyone should be tuning as this fight promises to deliver fireworks.”

“I’ve been sparring with top-level opponents and refining my strategy with my team,” concluded Diaz. “I’m ready to leave everything in the ring and prove myself worthy to fight for another world title.”

Jalil Hackett will face Peter Dobson in his Matchroom debut at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on Saturday July 13, live worldwide on DAZN – with Skye Nicolson making the maiden defense of her WBC World Featherweight title against Dyana Vargas as the undercard is announced for Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis’ homecoming IBF World Welterweight title defense against Cody Crowley.

OVER 10,000 TICKETS HAVE BEEN SOLD FOR BOOTS-CROWLEY – TICKET ARE ON SALE AT TICKETMASTER.COM

Hackett (8-0 7 KOs) penned a multi-fight promotional deal with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom at the end of May, and his first actin with his new promoter pitches him in deep waters in just his ninth pro fight and meets Dobson over ten rounds for the WBA Continental North America Welterweight title.

Dobson (16-1 9 KOs) enters the fight having taken British star Conor Benn the distance in Las Vegas in February, and the New Yorker will be looking to bounce back from his first defeat by halting the progress of the hotly-tipped 21 year old tyro.

“I’m so happy to kick off my deal with Matchroom with such a big fight,” said Hackett. “Eddie and Matchroom have a plan for my development that I’m really excited by and that starts on July 13 against Dobson. He took Conor Benn the distance in a good fight, but I’m going to prove that I am ready for this step-up and much more.

“It’s also great to be on Boots’ card in Philadelphia. I’ve done great work with Boots already and I know that tickets for this show have been flying, so I can’t wait to showcase my skills in front of a big crowd, live on DAZN, and then watch Boots put on a show.”

“He’s a little boy and I’m going to beat his ass like his father used to,” said Dobson. “He’s trying to use me as a stepping-stone and he’s making a terrible mistake. There are levels to this and he’s nowhere near mine – he’s going to find that out in brutal fashion come July 13.”

Nicolson (10-0 1 KO) won her WBC crown at a canter in her first World title fight in February in Las Vegas, pitching a shut-out on two of the cards over Dane Sarah Mahfoud. For her first defense, the Australian fights in the States for the fifth time in the paid ranks and puts her belt on the line againstVargas(18-1 12 KOs), the Dominican who fights outside her homeland for the first time and in her maiden World title tilt.

“I’m excited to defend my WBC World title on this great card in Philadelphia,” said Nicolson. “Although it’s just my 11th fight, I truly believe I am the best Featherweight in the World.

“I want to find a way to capture the other belts, my dream is to become undisputed and I’m willing to take whatever challenges necessary to achieve that. I look forward to making a statement on July 13, live on DAZN.”

“Ever since I started boxing this was my dream to fight for a World title, it is a dream come true and I’m taking advantage of this opportunity,” said Vargas.

“I thank Matchroom for this chance and the champion better be ready because the beast from the Dominican Republic is coming for her.”

Khalil Coe will make the short journey from New Jersey to Philadelphia to fight for his first title, as he meets Manuel Gallegos over ten rounds for the USWBC Light-Heavyweight strap. Coe (8-0-1 6 KOs) has looked ferocious in his recent fights, ending his last four outings inside the distance, and will look to pick up his first belt against Mexican Gallegos (20-2-1 17 KOs) who moves up to 175lbs after taking on Super-Middleweight sensation Diego Pacheco last time out in Los Angeles in July.

“I am excited to be back in a big step-up fight against Gallegos on the ‘Boots’ Ennis undercard,” said Coe. “Philadelphia will almost be like hometown fight for me. It’s right down the turnpike so I expect a lot of my fans to show up and watch me dominate again and I’m looking for a highlight reel knockout.

“This is one step closer to me fighting for a World championship, which is my ultimate goal. I feel like I’m the next big star in the Light-Heavyweight division and I’ll be looking to prove that on July 13.”

“I’m anxious to fight again on a Matchroom show on a new division and for a title,” said Gallegos. “I feel stronger and won’t waste this opportunity, let’s go”

An all-Puerto Rican affair is also announced today for the WBA Continental Latin America Super-Featherweight title between Henry Lebron and Christopher Diaz. Lebron (19-0 10 KOs) has signed a promotional deal with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom and will look to claim his first title against two-time World title challenger Diaz (28-4 18 KOs).

“I am very excited to be entering this new chapter of my career with Matchroom Boxing,” said Lebron. “I feel that Matchroom is going to provide me with the path towards challenging and winning my first world title as a Super-Featherweight.

“I want to thank Eddie Hearn and my manager Peter Kahn for working together to get this deal done. I can’t wait to enter the ring on July 13 in Philadelphia and making my debut on DAZN.”

“Facing an undefeated fighter and one of the best, or the best, prospects in Puerto Rico like Henry Lebron is the kind of challenge that brings passion and determination to my mind,” said Diaz.

“This fight is not just about getting a victory. It’s about representing Puerto Rico and proving that I belong among the best. I’m ready to give it my all in the ring and show the world that I’m built for moments like this. Puerto Rico vs. Puerto Rico, Let’s go!”

Elsewhere on the card, Philadelphia duo Christian Carto (22-1 15 KOs) and Boots Promotions’ Ismail Muhammad (4-0 3 KOs) fight over eight rounds at Super-Bantamweight and six rounds at Welterweight respectively, while there’s a pro debut for another Philly native, as Dennis Thompson steps through the ropes in the paid ranks for the first time over four rounds at Bantamweight, with all three fighters to be matched soon.