Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis should consider moving up to 154 if he misses the unification fight against WBO welterweight champion Brian Norman Jr. can’t get
There is no fan interest in a rematch between Ennis (32-0, 29 KOs) and Chukhadzhian (24-2, 13 KOs), which he won by a lopsided 12-round unanimous decision by scores of 120-109 x 3 last year in January 2023.
The barren landscape of welterweight
The fans’ interest is not there for a rematch between Boots and Chukhadzhian. It will slow down Ennis’ career growth if he takes the rematch that few fans in the US or elsewhere are asking for.
The boxing public recognizes that the 147 division is barren, and they want Ennis to move up to 154 to chase the aging Terence Crawford and these fighters:
– Tim Tszyu
– Terence Crawford
– Vergil Ortiz Jr.
– Isrial Madrimov
– Erickson Lubin
– Serhii Bohachuk
– Sebastian Fundora
– Charles Conwell
– Jesus Ramos
– Errol Spence Jr.
Boots, 27, has few options at 147 if he stays at welterweight to complete his goal of becoming undisputed champion before moving up to 154.
154: A division ripe for conquest
If Boots stays at 147 to defend against Chukhadzhian in a rematch, it will signal to the fans that he lacks the confidence to move up to 154 to pursue the bigger threats, those who will help move his career forward. Even if Crawford, 36, chooses to continue to ignore Ennis, there are still plenty of enticing options for him to fight in the weight class that will help advance his career.
If Boots stays at 147, these are his only options:
– Karen Chukhadjian: rematch
– Brian Norman Jr: Maybe if Boots is willing to wait a year or two for the fight to finally happen.
– Mario Barrios: Fighting a guy who got bullied by Keith Thurman and Gervonta Davis.
– Conor Benn
Promoter Eddie Hearn would be happy if Boots fought Conor Benn as it would be a nice little in-house fight. It will be sold in the UK but not in the US. American fans don’t judge Benn.
Last updated on 29/08/2024
