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. 

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.

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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.

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.”

Two Kings’ Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis and Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez share top billing in Philadelphia on Saturday night – and both men are honored to be fighting side-by-side at Wells Fargo Center live worldwide on DAZN, with Ennis defending his IBF World Welterweight title against Karen Chukhadzhian and Rodriguez defends his WBC World and Ring Magazine Super-Flyweight titles against Pedro Guevara. TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW VIA TICKETMASTER.COM Ennis (32-0 29 KOs) is back at the venue of the first defense of his crown in July, where he forced David Avanesyan to retire after five rounds in an electric atmosphere at a packed Wells Fargo Center. A fortnight before that win from Boots, Rodriguez (20-0 13 KOs) crashed into the top ten of the pound-for-pound rankings with a stunning KO win over Juan Francisco Estrada in Phoenix, cementing his place amongst the best in the business, and proving once again to be a must-see act. The pair now look to take care of business and end their year on a high, and the Two Kings are delighted to be able to perform at the top of a stacked bill. “It’s crazy to have someone like Bam on the card,” said Ennis. “He’s #7 on the pound-for-pound list, it’s going to be fireworks, the whole card is great from top to bottom. You’ve got two of my fighters on there in Dennis Thompson and Ishmael Muhammad, there’s Ray Ford, Khalil Coe, it’s crazy and it’s one not to be missed, it’s explosive. “Bam and I can go as far as we want to take it. I think I can go up to 168lbs, Bam, he’s already been going up and down from 112 to 118, so he can go to 126 and do his thing there to. We’re going to take this as far as we want, we just have to stay focused and keep doing our thing. “We were in the Olympic training center together in 2016, the year before I turned pro. He was there doing his thing, and he’s always been nice since we were younger, and I can’t wait for us to show out on Saturday.” “Boots Ennis is a star here in Philadelphia, and in boxing too,” said Rodriguez. “I saw the crowd for his last fight so to be a part of that and get more exposure on the East Coast, that’s why it makes sense to me. To share a card with a great fighter like Jaron is good for both of us. I like the Two Kings, it’s badass, and I really feel that’s how it is, so it makes sense. “From what I see on Instagram, Boots works his ass off, and that’s something I do as well. We have that in common and inside the ring we both have good agility, good footwork, good IQ, so I think we’ve got a lot in common.” 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.

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 Ford told Matchroom Boxing’s Flash Knockdown Podcast that he’s ready to take the first step on his path to becoming a two-weight World champion, as he moves up to 130lbs and faces Orlando Gonzalez for the WBA Continental Super-Featherweight title at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on Saturday November 9, live worldwide on DAZN, leading the undercard in support of the World title doubleheader as Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis defends 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.  TICKETS FOR BOOTS AND BAM ON NOV 9 IN PHILADELPHIA ARE ON SALE NOW! THE LATEST EPISODE OF FLASH KNOCKDOWN IS AVAILABLE NOW Ford (15-1-1 8 KOs) won the WBA crown at Featherweight in March with a stunning 12th round KO win over Otabek Kholmotov in Verona, New York, pulling off one of the most dramatic victories of 2024 at the very last moment. ‘Savage’ quickly defended the crown against Nick Ball on the Matchroom vs. Queensberry 5 vs. 5 blockbuster in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in June, and was edged out in another thrilling contest by the Briton via split decision. The 25 year old admitted on ‘Flash Knockdown’ that he held on at 126lbs to land the World title shot that he grasped in such spectacular fashion, despite his body telling him to move up in order, and he’s more than ready to take on the champions at Super-Featherweight and claim their belts. “I don’t single out anybody or try to go for the easiest route,” said Ford. “I just want the champions to give me the opportunity to fight for a World title, and I want to test my skills amongst the best. I hear that Anthony Cacace is going to move up, so Sugar Nunez will get a World title shot – if he doesn’t have a dance partner, I’ll fill those shoes and get in there with him.   “It’s the same thing when I fought for my first World title, guys moving up and vacating belts, it’s history repeating itself. I like the challenge with the guys that people are scared of or turn into the boogeyman, the monster. I like that, so I can go and display my skills and she that they are just regular human beings.   “I’m fighting alongside great champions in Philadelphia in Boots and Bam, but I’m at the stage in my career where I want to be headlining my own shoes and doing my own thing. It’s cool to fight close to home, and eventually I want to do my own thing.   “I don’t look at the Ball fight like it was a setback, I think I gained a lot more than anything. The fans enjoyed the fight, happy with it and even though I didn’t get the decision it was a great night of boxing, thats what really matters, it’s about putting on a show for the fans. A lot of my fans think I won the fight, so I don’t feel bad about the fight in any way.   “I thought that I should have moved up before the Kholmotov fight, but I was so close to the World title, and I wanted to be a World champion. I stayed for the money and the opportunity to fight on the Saudi Arabia card, but truthfully, I should have moved up.”   Ford features in the latest episode of Matchroom Boxing’s Flash Knockdown Podcast, ahead of tomorrow’s epic Undisputed World Light-Heavyweight title clash Dmitry Bivol’s with Artur Beterbiev. We hear from the chief support stars, Fabio Wardley and Frazer Clarke, Dave Allen takes on our charity quiz and takes a swing for Johnny Fisher plus there’s a back ‘n forth with Campbell Hatton and Jimmy Joe Flint before their rematch later this month.

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.”

In a fight that started slow, Gervonta Davis needed just a a few seconds in round eight to land two hard shots to the jaw of Hector Luis Garcia and get a stoppage win after Garcia could not come out for round nine in front of a sold out crowd of 19, 731 Capital One Arena in Washington, DC.

When the fight got going, Garcia fought well by mixing in body shots to offset Davis trying to land power shots from the outside. The fight was on even terms as it headed into the eighth round. Even in round eight, Garcia began the stanza well by working the body. Late in the round, Davis landed two flush lefts that hurt Garcia. When Garcia got to the corner, he did not come out for round nine and the fight was officially stopped at 13 seconds.

Davis, 134 lbs of Baltimore will now take on Ryan Garcia, presumably on April 15th with a record of 28-0 with 26 knockouts. Garcia, 134 lbs of the Dominican Republic is 16-1.

Gervonta Davis

“A little surprised (he didn’t come out). But I knew he was hurt bad but he’s a fighter and he didn’t want to show it. I knew he was hurt though.

“I feel as though – I have stuff to work on. Everything. I’m a fighter and I’m not retired so I’m always willing to learn.

“I wasn’t throwing a lot of shots (in the beginning) because I was trying to beat him mentally. I was trying to trick him with my hands and my eyes and things like that because he’s a tough fighter. I had to bait him.

“His southpaw style bothered me a little bit because I don’t fight a lot of southpaws but it’s okay; it’s a part of the game.

“God willing I’m ready for the fight (with Ryan Garcia). It’s scheduled for April. I’m here. He’s been training. He’s been talking. And let’s see who’s really about that.

“On my end I’m ready. I’ll be in the gym Monday. Well, not Monday. I’ll probably take a week off but I’ll be back for sure soon.

“I have to bring my people in close and listen to my close ones, listen to Al Haymon and just stay focused. There’s a lot of bumps in the road but if we stay focused together – that’s how I’ll (maintain) longevity in the sport.”

Hector Luis Garcia

“When I got the shot to my head in the final round, that’s when I couldn’t see from my eye. I didn’t know where I was when he hit me with that shot. My vision is back but my head still hurts. I couldn’t see from my right eye. It was going well up until that point. I was picking my shots.”

Ennis Decisions Chukhadzhian to Win IBF Interim Welterweight Title

Jaron Ennis went the distance for the first time in 20 fights, but won the IBF Interim Welterweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over slippery Karen Chukhadzhian.

Ennis pressed the action while Chukhadzhian danced around the outside, and only coming in sporadically. Ennis landed the majority of punches and won by scores of 120-108 on all cards. Ennis landed 203 of 592 punches; Chukhadzhian was 97 of 573

Ennis, 145.5 lbs of Philadelphia is 30-0. Chukhadhian, 146.25 lbs of Kiev, UKR is 21-2.

Jaron Ennis

“We come here to dominate. I feel like I could have thrown more punches. I should stop that guy and that’s on me. I wanted him to engage but we did what we could. 

“I learned to just take my time and to not rush anything. I’m glad I went 12 rounds. It felt great. I felt I was in the best shape. I just needed to throw a little more punches. I should have got him out of there.

“He ran a lot. Hats off to him since a lot of guys didn’t want to fight me. So shout out to him for coming here and taking this fight.

“Everyone knows that I want Errol Spence and the winner of Virgil Ortiz and (Eimantas) Stanionis. You know – all the top guys. Let’s get it, you know?

“I’ll wait until the time is right and (Spence) is ready.”

Roiman Villa Scores Two Late Knockdowns to win Majority Decision over Rashidi Ellis

Roiman Villa needed all 36 minutes to score a 12-round majority decision over previously undefeated Rashidi Ellis in an IBF Welterweight Elimination bout

It was a fight that Ellis controlled early with his jab. Villa was applying pressure. Villa was slowing gaining momentum in the fight when in round 12, Villa decked Ellis with a vicious left hook to the jaw. Villa continued landing hard shots to Ellis, who at this point was backtracking and trying to land shots while going backwards. In the final seconds, Villa dropped Ellis again with a hard right hand.

Ellis landed 268 of 604 punches. The knockdowns were the difference as Villa was just 114 of 631.

Villa, 146.75 of Venezuela won by scores of 114-112 twice and 113-113 to raise his mark to 26-1. Ellis, 146.25 of Lynn, MA is 24-1.

Roiman Villa

“First of all, thank God for this victory. Second of all, he was a tough fighter. He moved a lot. He does hit hard. The first couple rounds I was a little tight but then I got loose.

“I was on top of him from the first round. I know that fighters such as him who are quick sooner or later will get a little tired and that’s what I took advantage of.

“My corner told me to knock him down (in the 12^th round). I couldn’t do it on the first try but I kept going.

“I thought he just fell on the last knockdown so I wasn’t sure (if it was a knockdown) . But if they want the rematch we’ll give them the rematch.

“I like the Mexican fighters with balls and I like the way he fights so I would definitely give him the rematch.

“I told him after the fight to smile and he had nothing to say.

“I didn’t really feel like I needed the knockout in that last round, I just wanted to dominate.

“Ellis is a good fighter, but this was mostly about what I was able to do. All credit to God for allowing me to come out with my arm raised up high.

“I’m not thinking about the future right now, just soaking in the moment.”

Rashidi Ellis

“I want the rematch right away. I’m fine (physically).

“I thought I was dictating the fight. I don’t know. I don’t know what happened.

“I totally disagree with the decision. I was winning most of the rounds. Yeah, he had the knockdown but other than that I was winning most of the rounds.”

Andrade Decisions Nicholson in Super Middleweight Debut

Demetrius Andrade made his super middleweight debut and the former two-division was successful as he pounded out a 10-round unanimous decision over Demond Nicholson

In round two, Andrade landed a straight left that was followed by a right hook that sent Nicholson on his rear end. Each seemingly scored knockdowns that referee Malik Waleed missed.

In round 10, Andrade landed right hook to the head that made Nicholson’s glove touch the canvas that was ruled a knockdown.

Andrade landed 145 of 325 punches. Nicholson was just 28 of 231.

Andrade, 167 lbs of Providence, RI won by scores of 100-88 on all cards and is now 32-0. Nicholson, 167.25 lbs of Laurel, MD is 26-5-1.

Demetrius Andrade

“I felt good, I can definitely tell the weight difference but the speed and combinations and the IQ was the plan today and that’s what we did. The weight (was different).”

Charlos, Benavidez vs. Plant winner?

“The only way I can say I’m the best is by fighting the best. Everyone knows that Demond Nicholson is a dog. That’s why we took this fight. He took this fight because he knew I was coming up and he definitely has the animal in him. He showed it today and we’re just boxing – IQ.”

On the 10^th round knockdown:

“That was definitely clean. Nice left. Definitely a knockdown. That left hand. Boom. It was great to be here. I want to thank SHOWTIME for the opportunity and PBC and everyone that came out today. It’s me again baby!

“I thought I would be able to get him out of there in the deep waters, but he’s a tough guy. I think we both cut each other early in the fight, but at the end of the day we do what we have to do. 

“I threw some nice combinations and some nice hard shots, but he came in shape. People get up to fight me. 

“We’re going to look to see who’s available at 168 pounds. I’m just going to get stronger, sharper and faster too.”

Vito Mielnicki stopped Omar Rosales in round four of their eight-round junior middleweight bout.

Mielnicki landed power punches throughout the contest and then unloaded on Rosales on round four and the bout was stopped at 26 seconds.

Mielnicki, 153.2 lbs of Roseland, NJ is now 14-1 with nine knockouts. Rosales, 152.8 lbs of Houston, TX is 9-2-1.

Brandun Lee remained undefeated by stopping Diego Luque in round four of a scheduled eight-round super lightweight bout.

Lee dominated the action and then landed a bevvy of hard punches that forced the corner of Luque to throw in the towel at

Lee, 141.4 lbs of a Quinta, CA is 27-0 with 23 knockouts. Luque, 141.2 lbs of Cordoba, ARG is 21-11-2.

Travon Marshall needed just 48 seconds to obliterate Shawn West in a six-round welterweight bout.

Marshall landed flush and hard power shots from the opening bell until fight was stopped at 48 seconds.

Marshall, 149.8 lbs of Capitol Heights, MD is 7-0 with six knockouts. West, 151.2 lbs of San Antonio, TX is 7-3-1.

Keeshawn Williams won a six-round unanimous decision over Gustavo David Vittori in a welterweight bout.

Williams, 146,2 lbs of Lanham, MD won by scores of 60-54 on all cards and is now 11-1-1. Vittori, 145.6 lbs of Argentina is 26-12-1.

Former world champion Lamont Peterson tried to come back after a four-year retirement only to be stopped in round four of a six-round super lightweight bout to unheralded Michael Ogundo.

In round four, Peterson was dropped hard with a right hand. He was in serious trouble when Ogundo followed with a hard flurry that forced Peterson’s corner to wave the towel at 2:05.

Ogund0, 140.2 lbs of Quincy, MA is 17-16 with 14 knockouts. Peterson, 141.6 lbs of Washington, DC is 35-6-1,

Kyrone Davis took an eight-round unanimous decision over Cristian Fabian Rios in a super middleweight contest.

Davis, 163.8 lbs of Wilmington, DE won by scores of 80-72 twice and 79-73 and is now 17-3-1. Rios, 164.4 lbs of Buenos Aries, ARG is 23-16-3.

Jalil Hackett made quick work of Joel Guevara by scoring an opening round of their four-round super welterweight bout,

Hackett dropped Guevara in the opening round with a hard right hand. Hackett was all over Guevara and sent him to the canvas a with a left hook and the fight was stopped at 2:11.

Hackett, 156.2 lbs of Washington, DC is 5-0 with four knockouts. Guevara, 155.8 lbs of Charlston, WV is 4-9-1.

Mia Ellis stopped Karen Dulin in the opening round of their four-round lightweight bout.

Ellis scored two knockdowns and the fight was called after the second knockdown at 1:53.

Ellis, 128.2 lbs of Baltimore is 6-1 with five knockouts. Dulin, 129.8 lbs of Portsmouth, NH is 5-26-1.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – December 29, 2022 – Fighters competing on the Gervonta Davis vs. Hector Luis Garcia SHOWTIME PPV undercard on Saturday, January 7 took part in a virtual press conference on Wednesday before they step into the ring in a Premier Boxing Champions event from Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.

The virtual event featured unbeaten rising star Jaron “Boots” Ennis and IBF No.4-rated welterweight Karen Chukhadzhian, who meet in the co-main event for the Interim IBF Welterweight Title, unbeaten welterweight contender Rashidi Ellis and hard-hitting Roiman Villa, who meet in a 12-round fight, and undefeated two-division world champion Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade and Laurel, Maryland-native Demond Nicholson, who clash in a 10-round super middleweight fight opening the pay-per-view at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com and capitalonearena.com. The Ennis vs. Chukhadzhian bout is promoted in association with D&D Boxing.

Here is what the fighters had to say Wednesday:

JARON ENNIS

“My motivation is to one day be undisputed at 147 pounds. I’m motivated every day, so this is just another day in the office for me.

“It’s all about fighting the best. I want to fight all the top guys and the guys that everybody knows. But things don’t always go how they’re supposed to. Rashidi Ellis is next. That’s a great matchup.

“I feel like I just have to keep winning and doing my thing. On January 7 it’s another step toward me getting my hands on those titles. Maybe I have to talk a little bit more, but I’m really a vicious dog that just likes to bite.

“I don’t want to be somebody that I’m not. I’m going to be myself and be humble. I’m going to do this my way.

“I’m going to go in there and have fun and be smooth. We have to see what he brings to the table. My time is now. I want to win in dominating fashion, and that means a knockout.

“This is business as usual, with a suit and tie on. It’s time to work. Only difference is I brought in a new strength and conditioning coach for this one. I’m feeling great and I’m ready to rock and roll.

“You can always better yourself and get better at everything. We’ve been working on a lot of jabbing and a lot of pressure. But we’re really working on everything.

“It’s boxing, anything can happen. You can fight the best fighter in the world and you can knock him out in two seconds. The big names are coming, I just have to be patient.”

KAREN CHUKHADZHIAN

“I’m very motivated for this fight. There is a lot for me to prove in my first fight in the U.S. This is definitely going to be a hard fight, but I’m ready for it. I’m preparing to come in and win.

“I look at this fight as a challenge. I’ve been waiting to step up the quality of my opponents. I’ve wanted to fight a guy like Ennis for a while and I’m going to be ready for him.

“I’m going to the U.S. not to get a paycheck, but to give everyone a good fight. I’m not going to give up until I accomplish my goal.

“I want the fans to enjoy this fight. That’s a big part of my job. I’m going to be surprising everyone with what they see from me.

“I only have good things to say about Jaron. He’s a very high-level boxer. We’re watching each of his fights and specific moments in those fights. He’s on the same level with the champions.

“I want to keep fighting people at the top level. I want to put myself in line with all of the top fighters in the division.”

RASHIDI ELLIS

“I’m always in the gym training, so I’m going to be prepared for this fight. I was dealing with a lot in the past, but now I’m here and ready to keep pushing forward with my career.

“Villa has power, he’s tough and he comes forward. He’s also coming off a great win. I know he’s going to be tough, but I’m coming to beat him down.

“I feel like I’m the future of the welterweight division. If a fight with Jaron Ennis comes my way, why not? I’m ready.

“We’re going to find out how tough this test really is on January 7. I’m ready for all the big names at 147 pounds.

“He’s going to come forward and apply pressure, but I’ve been dealing with that my whole life. He can do what he wants. At the end of the day, I’m coming out victorious.

“I’m smart in the ring and I adapt. I don’t think people know about my power. I’ve got some thunder to go with my lightning.”

ROIMAN VILLA

“We’re going to have to wait until fight night to see if any of his words mean anything. I’m not trying to anticipate too much before the fight. In the end, he’s going to have to prove what he’s all about.

“This fight means a lot to me, because it gives me an opportunity to fight for a world title. Whatever happens, this is a fight that I’m going to give my best effort for.

“I’m going to keep being humble and keep doing my job. I’m coming to fight. If Rashidi wants to take me out, he knows he’s going to have to do everything in his power. I’m not going to be easy to take down.

“I’m going to go out there, do my best and finish the night with my hand raised. I’m feeling great and I know there’s only one way this fight ends.

“I feel strong and confident. As a fighter, you have to adjust to whatever comes your way. I know that I have all of the tools that I need to succeed.”

DEMETRIUS ANDRADE

“I’m on a new journey to be a three-division world champion. Nicholson is one of the few who accepted a fight with me. He stepped up to this challenge and I take my hat off to him. I’m looking to get in there with the top names.

“Every fight is a chance to make a statement. There’s not just one fight that catapults you. Every fight is high stakes to me. I don’t look past anybody. We’re both looking to take each other’s head off.

“I’m preparing to be on top. I don’t look past anybody, but I’m confident and I know what I can do. I want Jermall Charlo, that’s what I’m here for. I’ve got a left hand for him.

“I know that I’m in a position now to get the fights that I need for my legacy. There are big names in front of me. I’m looking to make the fights happen.

“I want people to hear from me. Directly from the source. This is me writing my own chapter and the truth will be told.

“I gotta bounce these gloves off Demond’s forehead. That’s what I’m coming to do. I want to put that leather on him. I need a performance that will make people say that they need to see me again.”

DEMOND NICHOLSON

“Beating Andrade would help me rewrite my story. I’ve had a lot of ups and downs in the game of boxing. So this win is going to help me start a new narrative.

“I just have to go in there and do what I do best, which is box. I think Andrade is one of the sharpest boxers on the planet, he just has his own style. I just have to box the way I know how.

“I can definitely put the division on notice. My belief is that me beating Andrade won’t stop him from eventually getting the big fights he wants. My only objective is to win and shock the world. Then I can get the fights that I need for my own legacy.

“All of my losses pointed out a specific story that was going on in my life. After the Edgar Berlanga fight, I really had to sit down and map things out as far as life. I don’t look at those defeats as losses, I look at them as lessons. Now I’ve learned my lessons and it’s time to get on the biggest stage of my career.

“It’s time for me to show where I belong. I’ve never lost faith in myself. I know my power and I know where I stand in this world and in boxing.”

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ABOUT DAVIS VS. GARCIA

Davis vs. Garcia will see undefeated five-time world champion and boxing superstar Gervonta “Tank” Davis take on unbeaten world champion Héctor Luis García for Davis’ WBA Lightweight Title on Saturday, January 7 headlining a SHOWTIME PPV from Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The pay-per-view telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features unbeaten rising star Jaron “Boots” Ennis returning to action to take on the IBF No.4-rated welterweight Karen Chukhadzhian for the Interim IBF Welterweight Title in the co-main event, while unbeaten welterweight contender Rashidi Ellis faces the hard-hitting Roiman Villa in a high-octane 12-round duel. Kicking off the pay-per-view telecast is undefeated two-division world champion Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade stepping into the ring for a 10-round super middleweight clash against Laurel, Maryland-native Demond Nicholson.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com and capitalonearena.com. The Ennis vs. Chukhadzhian bout is promoted in association with D&D Boxing.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #DavisGarcia, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShowtimeBoxing.

PHILADELPHIA – December 27, 2022 – Undefeated rising welterweight star and Philadelphia-native Jaron “Boots” Ennis held a media workout in his hometown on Tuesday as he prepares to take on IBF No.4-rated welterweight Karen Chukhadzhian for the Interim IBF Welterweight Title in the co-main event of a SHOWTIME PPV on Saturday, January 7 headlining a SHOWTIME PPV from Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The bout is part of a pay-per-view telecast beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, headlined by undefeated five-time world champion and boxing superstar Gervonta “Tank” Davis taking on unbeaten world champion Héctor Luis García for Davis’ WBA Lightweight Title.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com and capitalonearena.com.  The Ennis vs. Chukhadzhian bout is promoted in association with D&D Boxing.

Here is what Ennis and his father and trainer “Bozy” Ennis had to say Tuesday from the Philly’s Next Champ gym:

JARON ENNIS

“I haven’t watched any footage of my opponent but my team has been watching him. We have a game plan for what he does well.

“I’m definitely excited to have people coming from Philly down to D.C. for the fight. It’s only a couple hours away, so you’ll definitely hear Philly in the building.

“It doesn’t matter where we’re fighting at, I’m going to train just as hard. We prepare for every single fight like it’s a world title fight.

“I’ve just been watching a lot of Mike Tyson myself. He put a lot of punches together. Triple, doubles, same hands, lots of knockouts. He didn’t see too many late rounds. I’ve been watching him a lot this camp.

“I’m training all year round. The holidays don’t affect the schedule. I eat good, my weight is on point and everything is good. My last day off was on Christmas, but that’s only because Sunday is my normal day off. If it was on a Saturday, I would have trained.

“I feel like Errol Spence Jr. would fight me. I’m going in there with the intention of winning the interim title, then fighting Errol next. I think we can make it happen.

“I’ll move up to 154 pounds at some point for sure. I’m strong and I can move up and down if I have to. I’ll fight anyone at 154 or 147.

“It’s safe to say we’re looking to have a short night on January 7.”

“BOZY” ENNIS, Jaron’s Father and Trainer

“We don’t change up the preparation much fight by fight. We just keep trying to work harder and harder. We’re just putting in the work.

“I don’t watch the opponents, I let Jaron’s brothers do that. I watch the first round of the fight and then I go from there. If you start looking at one fighter too much, you can get into a bad situation if they get hurt and have to be replaced. We train to face any kind of style.

“We took our time. We’ve waited around. The only thing holding us up is that we knew Spence was the mandatory, but we knew he was working on the fight with Terence Crawford. We’re definitely looking to fight three times next year now.”

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ABOUT DAVIS VS. GARCIA

Davis vs. Garcia will see undefeated five-time world champion and boxing superstar Gervonta “Tank” Davis take on unbeaten world champion Héctor Luis García for Davis’ WBA Lightweight Title on Saturday, January 7 headlining a SHOWTIME PPV from Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The pay-per-view telecast begins at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT and features unbeaten rising star Jaron “Boots” Ennis returning to action to take on the IBF No.4-rated welterweight Karen Chukhadzhian for the Interim IBF Welterweight Title in the co-main event, while unbeaten welterweight contender Rashidi Ellis faces the hard-hitting Roiman Villa in a high-octane 12-round duel. Kicking off the pay-per-view telecast is undefeated two-division world champion Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade stepping into the ring for a 10-round super middleweight clash against Laurel, Maryland-native Demond Nicholson.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com and capitalonearena.com. The Ennis vs. Chukhadzhian bout is promoted in association with D&D Boxing.

For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #DavisGarcia, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShowtimeBoxing.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – December 5, 2022 – Three star-studded undercard attractions highlight  a can’t-miss night of boxing on Saturday, January 7 on SHOWTIME PPV when undefeated five-time world champion and boxing superstar Gervonta “Tank” Davis takes on unbeaten world champion Héctor Luis García in the main event from Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C in an event presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

In the co-main event, unbeaten rising star Jaron “Boots” Ennis returns to action to take on the IBF No.4-rated welterweight Karen Chukhadzhian for the Interim IBF Welterweight Title, while unbeaten welterweight contender Rashidi Ellis faces the hard-hitting Roiman Villa in a high-octane 12-round duel. Kicking off the pay-per-view telecast at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, undefeated two-division world champion Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade steps into the ring for a 10-round super middleweight clash against Laurel, Maryland-native Demond Nicholson.

Tickets for the live event, which is promoted by GTD Promotions and TGB Promotions, are on sale now and can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com and capitalonearena.com. The Ennis vs. Chukhadzhian bout is promoted in association with D&D Boxing.

“With a blockbuster main even matchup, it is fitting that the pay-per-view undercard will be jam-packed from top to bottom with some of the sport’s best and most intriguing fighters in high-stakes clashes,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Jaron Ennis, Demetrius Andrade and Rashidi Ellis have all shown off their immense talent throughout their careers and will all look to take important steps on January 7 in Washington, D.C. Ennis is one of the sport’s bright young stars and will be looking to move even closer to a world title fight, while Ellis is deep into his own ascent on the 147-pound crown. Kicking off the telecast is the dangerous two-division champion Andrade, who can send a message to the rest of the 168-pound division when he opens the pay-per-view. This card is lined up to deliver from open to close and has all the makings of a night of non-stop action.” 

Ennis (29-0, 27 KOs) is the latest in the pantheon of outstanding Philadelphia fighters, combining elite boxing skills with natural power in both hands. After two appearances on SHOBOX: The New Generation^®, the 25-year-old Ennis graduated to headlining his first SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING^® telecast in April 2021, as he became the first fighter to stop former world champion Sergey Lipinets. He followed up that performance with an impressive first-round stoppage of Thomas Dulorme in October of that year, before most recently blasting out Custio Clayton in two rounds in May in his ninth appearance on SHOWTIME^®. The knockout victory gave Ennis 19 KOs in his last 20 fights, with the only blemish being a no-decision in the first round against Chris van Heerden in December 2020.

“I can’t wait to start 2023 off right by putting on another explosive performance for my fans,” said Ennis. “I respect all my opponents and am training harder than ever to come out victorious on January 7 to move one step closer to becoming world champion. Next year is going to be the most significant year of my career and it all starts with this fight. My time is now.”

The 26-year-old Chukhadzhian (21-1, 11 KOs) rose up the IBF rankings with a pair of stoppage victories in 2022, dispatching of Ryan Martin in eight rounds in January prior to retiring Blake Minto after six rounds in July. A native of Kiev, Ukraine, Chukhadzhian now fights out of Germany as he prepares to make his U.S. debut on January 7. The only blemish on his record came in his second pro fight, a three-round split-decision loss in a tournament-style bout.

“When the offer to fight Jaron Ennis came to us, we immediately agreed,” said Chukhadzhian. “Ennis is a very good boxer. However, both Armenian and Ukrainian blood flows through my veins, and I’m not traveling to the U.S. for a check, but with the goal of showing that all of the hard work we put in was not in vain. We are preparing in the gym, where there is no water and light because of the war. But what doesn’t break us only makes us stronger. I’m confident I will have my hand raised on January 7!”

The 29-year-old Ellis (24-0, 15 KOs) returned to the ring for the first time since October 2020 in July, blasting out Jose Marruffo in the first round. His previous outing had seen him earn an impressive unanimous decision over the previously unbeaten Alexis Rocha. Originally from Lynn, Mass., Ellis also owns a pair of victories over veteran contender Eddie Gomez, including a first-round knockout over Gomez in December 2016, before winning by unanimous decision in their 2019 rematch.

“I’m grateful to be stepping into the ring on such a big card to show off my talents,” said Ellis. “I want to thank my whole team for this opportunity and I can’t wait to make the most of it on January 7. I’m ready to go out and accomplish my goals. I’m coming to take care of the welterweight division one fight at a time.”

A native of Rosario, Venezuela, Villa (25-1, 24 KOs) earned a career-best victory in his most recent bout, as he made a memorable U.S. debut by dropping the previously unbeaten Janelson Bocachica on his way to a unanimous decision in a September edition of SHOBOX: The New Generation. The 29-year-old has fought professionally since 2015, scoring knockouts in all of his first 24 victories prior to the decision in his last bout. The only blemish on Villa’s record came via a narrow split-decision against Marcos Villasana in a 12-round 2019 bout.

“I am having a great training camp right now and preparing to be at my very best on January 7,” said Villa. “I’m looking forward to being able to show all my power and preparation in my next fight against Rashidi Ellis. This is my chance to show that I’m going to be a world champion in the welterweight division.”

A 2008 U.S. Olympian^® from Providence, Rhode Island, Andrade (31-0, 19 KOs) has captured world titles at 154 and 160-pounds as he now embarks toward becoming a three-division world champion. The 34-year-old captured the 154-pound title with a 2013 victory over Vanes Martirosyan and went on to defend the belt four times before moving up to middleweight. At 160-pounds, Andrade won a dominant decision over Walter Kautondokwa in October 2018 to win a vacant world title, before putting together a string of five consecutive title defenses, including most recently stopping Jason Quigley in two rounds in November 2021.

“My goal right now is to become a three-division world champion,” said Andrade. “Super middleweight is a stacked division with more characters to make some great fights for the fans. I hope Demond Nicholson has a safe camp and brings his very best to the table so that we can have a great showing on this card. I’m ready to display my talent and skill on my journey to becoming a three-division world champion.”

Currently riding a three-bout winning streak, Nicholson (26-4-1, 22 KOs) will look to impress on the big stage not far from his hometown of Laurel, Maryland. The 29-year-old’s current run came after a 2021 decision defeat against Edgar Berlanga, and most recently saw him stop Christopher Brooker in August.

“This is a great opportunity for me to attack my dreams,” said Nicholson. “A win on January 7 is going to get me closer to accomplishing the goals I have in this lifetime. I am ready for anything my opponent is going to bring to the ring, so the fans should expect a great fight for as long as this one lasts.”

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For more information visit www.SHO.com/sports, www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #DavisGarcia, follow on Twitter @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotions, on Instagram @ShowtimeBoxing, @PremierBoxing and @TGBPromotionss or become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ShowtimeBoxing.

BOSTON (May 11, 2020) – Ryan Roach’s Fighter Locker announced that it has signed a pair of promising Ukrainian prospects, word-rated welterweight Karen Chukhadzhian (16-1, 7 KOs) and super lightweight Zoravor Petrosyan (7-0, 3 KOs), to exclusive managerial contracts.

“I’m honored to represent such high-quality Ukrainian fighters like Karen and Zoravor,” Fighter Locker president Ryan Roach said “They’re both trained by world champion Vyacheslav Senchenko. Anytime you can add such accomplished fighters to your stable, especially a champion like Karen, is a dream come true. I’m looking forward to getting them here in the United States and into fights.”

The 24-year-old Chukhadzhian, ranked No. 14 in the world by the World Boxing Association (WBA), captured the WBA International welterweight title in his last fight this past February 1, by way of a 10-round decision over previously undefeated Sergy Vorobiev (9-1).

Chukhadzhian is also a former World Boxing Organization (WBO) Youth and World Boxing Council (WBC) Youth Silver welterweight champion. Like the great Bernard Hopkins he lost his pro debut, he has reeled off 16 consecutive victories.

Back in 2008, Chukhadzhian first became inspired to box after watching “King” Arthur Abraham overcome a broken jaw to decision Edison Miranda. Karen went on to have approximately 200 amateur fights and was crowned 2014 Ukraine National Champion.

“I’m pleased to have signed a contract with Ryan Roach and Daniyar Ganik (trainer),” Chukhadzhian said. “I look forward to fighting in the United States and climbing new mountains.”

Petrosyan, 21, was a decorated amateur boxer who captured a bronze medal at the 2016 World Youth (Under-19) Championships, in addition to being a multiple Ukrainian National champion. All seven of his pro career fights to date, which started October 2, 2018, have been held in the capital of Ukraine, Kiev.

“I can’t wait to start boxing in the United States,” Petrosyan commented. “I can’t believe my boxing career is now going to be built in the U.S. I’m confident of becoming a world champion I’m ready for a youth title fight right now.”

Chukhadzhian and Petrosyan join Fighter Locker’s growing stable that already includes their fellow countryman, North American Boxing Association (NABA) super welterweight title holder Stanyslav Skofokhod (19-2, 16 KOs). Other stablemates are Dominican welterweight Juan Carlos “Merengue” Abreu (23-5-1, 21 KOs), the former IBF Youth World super lightweight champion; Lynn, MA super welterweight Khiry Todd (10-1, 8 KOs),Dorchester, MA welterweight Gabriel Duluc (15-3, 4 KOs), Troy, NY super lightweight RayJay Bermudez, Toronto, Canada welterweight Jeff “The Trouble 1” Tabrizi (8-3, 7 KOs), plus former Kazakhstan National Team light heavyweight Alexey Sevostyanov and Irish National champion Paul Ryan, who will fight as a welterweight in the pro ranks. The latter two will make their pro debuts when boxing returns.

Ukraine, of course, has developed into one of the most prolific countries in terms of producing great boxers such as Vasiliy Lomachenko, Aleksandr Usyk, Oleksandr Gvozdyk, Sergiy Derevyanchenko and Viktor Postol, among the most notable contemporary fighter from Ukraine.

Chukhadzhian and Petrosyan are in the latest wave from the Eastern European country.