Josh Kelly emerges as leading option for boots Ennis after July 25 title defence

“That’s what Jaron Ennis wants. He wants belts. So whether it’s Josh Kelly, whether it’s Fundora, he’ll want to fight the other champions before he moves up to 160,” Hearn said at the post-fight press conference last Saturday night.

Kelly’s immediate focus is his first IBF title defense against unbeaten Caoimhin Agyarko on July 25. The bout is expected to take place in Saudi Arabia on the Anthony Joshua-Kristian Prenga undercard, although Newcastle has also been discussed as a possible alternative venue. Kelly captured the IBF belt in January with a majority decision upset of Bakhram Murtazaliev and will be making the first defense of his championship.

Hearn suggested Kelly could be available for a showdown with Ennis before the end of the year if he successfully retains his title.

“Josh will fight July 25th and then probably November, December. So, you know, could be one for Philly,” Hearn said.

The Matchroom chairman also praised Kelly’s ability, calling him “super talented” and pointing to his movement as one of the qualities that would present Ennis with a different type of challenge.

Hearn stopped short of naming Kelly as the definitive next opponent, noting that several possibilities are still being considered. He also defeated WBC champion Sebastian Fundora and interim WBC titleholder Virgil Ortiz Jr. mentioned as potential fights, depending on how the title picture develops over the coming months. Tonight, Fundora’s promoter Sampson Lewkowicz ruled out a fight against Ennis next.

After his win over WBA and WBO champion Zayas, Ennis made it clear that becoming the undisputed champion at 154 pounds is his priority. If Kelly defeats Agyarko on July 25, a unification bout with Boots could quickly become one of the division’s biggest fights for late 2026.