One of the most talented fighters in world boxing returns to action when Jaron “Boots” Ennis makes the second defense of his IBF welterweight crown against former world title challenger David Avanesyan at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on July 13. The 12-round bout, plus undercard action, will air on DAZN.
Ennis (31-0, 28 KOs) has been tipped for superstardom since turning professional in 2016. Following his first title defense – a 10th-round knockout win over Roiman Villa – the 27-year-old switch hitter signed with Matchroom Boxing and he is now being positioned for career-defining fights.
WATCH: Jaron Ennis vs. David Avanesyan, live on DAZN
“[Avanesyan is] a tough fight for ‘Boots’, but we wanted a tough fight,” said Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn. “Thank you to Avanesyan for stepping up. He has the name value, and you know what you're going to get – a tough, come-forward guy who won't take a step backward.”
Avanesyan (30-4-1, 18 KOs) was granted this second world title shot after original opponent Cody Crowley withdrew due to an eye problem. In December 2022, the Russian-born Armenian was battered to defeat by welterweight champ and pound-for-pound stalwart Terence Crawford, who stopped him in six rounds.
The Sporting News provides odds and a final prediction for this world title fight.
Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis vs. David Avanesyan betting odds
Per BetMGM, Ennis is the -1400 favorite while Rodriguez is the +700 underdog. The draw is +2500.
Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis vs. David Avanesyan trends
- Ennis via KO/ TKO/ Tech. Dec/ DQ: -500
- Ennis via decision: +450
- Avanesyan via KO/TKO/Tech. Dec/ DQ: +1400
- Avanesyan via decision: +2500
- Draw: +2500
MORE: SN's Top-12 best pound-for-pound boxers
Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis vs. David Avanesyan prediction, best bets
This fight has been marketed as a homecoming extravaganza, so it is essentially “The Jaron Ennis Show.”
As the odds suggest, Boots merely needs to turn up and the victory is all but guaranteed. The champion is quicker, stronger, more skilled, and better defensively than Avanesyan, who is out of his depth at this level.
The only hope the challenger has is to score the go-home punch. Avanesyan can whack, but most of his knockouts have come via an accumulation of punishment. Can he hurt Boots seriously enough to follow up and take him out? One would doubt it.
Boots can win this fight any way he chooses. His switch-hitting finesse and hand speed will befuddle Avanesyan, and if the challenger gets too ambitious, he’ll be punished for his impudence.
It’s the kind of fight that will become uncomfortable to watch before Boots takes his opponent out with a huge shot. Either that or the referee will be forced to make a mercy stoppage and end the slaughter.
We’ve seen enough of Boots Ennis to know that it’s going to take a special fighter to beat him. Avanesyan can hit hard, he's brave, and he’s tough… but he’s not special.
Sporting News prediction: Ennis KO 5 (Per BetMGM: -500)
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