Jaron Ennis is ready to give family and friends at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia a performance to remember. “Boots” defends the IBF welterweight title against David Avanesyan on July 13. The fight airs on DAZN.
Ennis (31-0) held the interim IBF title to start 2023 and was named full-time champion after Terence Crawford was stripped of the belt. “Boots” is still interested in facing the former undisputed welterweight champion, but looks to prove he can handle the homecoming spotlight against Avanesyan.
“Whatever [Crawford] thinks he can do, I can do better. I want to show the world and prove that I… show my skills [and] my ability,” Ennis told Kayla Rivera via Def Pen. “I feel like I [haven’t] really [gone] into my bag yet. I feel like they haven’t seen the best of me.”
Avanesyan (30-4-1) is a power-punching welterweight who had a formidable reputation before falling short against Crawford in 2022. The Russian-born fighter replaces Cody Crowley, who was pulled from the card due to a serious eye issue,
WATCH: Jaron Ennis vs. David Avanesyan, live on DAZN
With about five weeks to prepare, Avanesyan is a prohibitive underdog but believes in his skills and punching power.
“I want the best fighters, he’s one of the best fighters, but that’s what I want,” Avanesyan told The Ring. “It’s [a] good chance for me, it’s not like I’m starting my career, I want the best. I love the fact he’s one of the so-called best He’s all-around very good, but he’s vulnerable to being hit. Why is [the inactivity] a problem? No problem, I’m hungry. I just want to beat him. It’s my last chance.”
On the undercard, a young star looks to defend her title for the first time, former title challengers are ready to return to contention, and young prospects look to continue their momentum.
Jaron Ennis vs. David Avanesyan undercard
Here’s a breakdown of all the action on the Ennis vs. Avanesyan main card.
Skye Nicolson vs. Dyana Vargas
- Division/Weight: Featherweight
- Nicolson record: 10-0
- Vargas record: 19-1
- Belts at stake: WBC featherweight title
Skye Nicolson makes the maiden defense of her world title against Dyana Vargas.
Nicolson (10-0) held the interim WBC featherweight title to start 2023. The 2018 Commonwealth Games gold medalist won the vacant title against Sarah Mahfoud in April after Amanda Serrano relinquished it.
A fight against Serrano for undisputed gold has been a tough ask, given Serrano’s request for 12 three-minute round fights. Nicolson is ready to hold all the gold but must first overcome Vargas.
“Although it’s just my 11th fight, I truly believe I am the best featherweight in the world,” Nicolson said. “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.”
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Vargas (19-1) is on a three-fight win streak and has 12 wins via knockout. The 32-year-old from the Dominican Republic competes in the U.S. for the first time in her career.
Christopher Diaz vs. Derlyn Hernandez
- Division/Weight: Super Featherweight
- Diaz record: 28-4
- Hernandez record: 12-1
- Belts at stake: N/A
Further down the card is Christopher Diaz vs. Derlyn Hernandez. The latter replaces Henry Lebron.
Diaz (28-4) is a two-time world title challenger who failed to capture super featherweight (2018) and featherweight (2021) gold. "Pitufo" is on a two-fight win streak and looks to return to contention.
Hernandez (12-1) is on a five-fight win streak following his last loss in 2021. "El Coyote" has won all but two of his fights via knockout.
Khalil Coe vs. Manuel Gallegos
- Division/Weight: Light Heavyweight
- Coe record: 8-0-1
- Gallegos record: 20-2-1
- Belts at stake: N/A
Khalil Coe faces Manuel Gallegos.
Coe (8-0-1) is a former U.S. National Championships winner and has six wins via the power punch. The New Jersey native is ready for the easy drive to face a big test in Philadelphia.
BUY: Jaron Ennis vs. David Avanesyan tickets 2024
Gallegos (20-2-1) moves up in weight after a run at super middleweight. In his most recent fight, he was stopped in four rounds by unbeaten contender Diego Pacheco. The Mexican fighter hopes to halt Coe’s momentum with a rebound win.
Jalil Hackett vs. Peter Dobson
- Division/Weight: Welterweight
- Hackett record: 8-0
- Dobson record: 16-1
- Belts at stake: N/A
Finally, Jalil Hackett faces Peter Dobson.
Hackett (8-0) has won all but one fight via knockout. "Major" signed with Mayweather Promotions to start his career and recently signed with Matchroom. The 21-year-old is ready to make the most of the new opportunity after going 4-0 in 2023.
Dobson (16-1) had his unbeaten streak snapped by Conor Benn in February. It was a hard-fought contest for both fighters, with Dobson not faltering against the heavy-hitting Englishman despite coming off a 20-month layoff.
Jaron Ennis vs. David Avanesyan tune-in info
- Date: Saturday, July 13
- Time: 8 p.m. ET | 5 p.m. PT | 1 a.m. BST (Sunday) | 10 a.m. AEST (Sunday)
- Location: Wells Fargo Center — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- How to watch:
The Jaron Ennis vs. David Avanesyan fight card will be available via DAZN.
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