Two world title fights will take place in Philadelphia on November 9 as Jaron “Boots” Ennis defends the IBF welterweight title in his hometown against mandatory challenger Karen Chukhadzhian and Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez defends his RING/WBC junior bantamweight titles against Pedro Guevara.
The event, which will take place at the Wells Fargo Center, will be promoted by Matchroom Boxing and will be broadcast live on DAZN.
The fight will be the second in a row for Ennis (32-0, 29 knockouts) in front of his home fans, following his Matchroom debut this past July when he stopped David Avanesyan after five rounds in what was his first title defense. Before that, Ennis had not fought in Philadelphia since he was a young prospect in 2018.
Ennis and Chukhadzhian have fought once before, in January 2023, with Ennis winning an uninspiring 12-round knockout. Since then, 28-year-old Ukrainian Chukhadzhian has won three straight fights in Europe against limited opposition. A purse bid was held earlier this month, with Chukhadzhian’s promoter P2M Box win the bid over Matchroom, prompting rumors that Ennis would vacate the title and move to 154 pounds. Instead, Ennis will remain at 147 pounds, with a release stating that he still has designs on becoming the undisputed champion of the division.
“I’m excited to be back in my city,” Ennis said in a release. “I’m ready to continue to dominate the division, make a big statement and show everyone why I’m the best welterweight in the world!
“It’s time to have fun, keep crushing whoever is in front of me, put on a beautiful, dominant, crushing performance in front of my family, friends and fans as I defend my IBF world title in spectacular fashion and keep It’s time!”
“I will have enough time to prepare and show a beautiful and spectacular fight! Champ, get ready for the fight, it will be hot!,” Chukhadzhian (24-2, 13 KOs) added.
Rodriguez (20-0, 13 KOs) will return to action for the first time since his knockout victory over former pound-for-pound contender Juan Francisco Estrada in June, against WBC interim titleholder Pedro Guevera.
“My belts aren’t going anywhere! And still!,” said the native of San Antonio Rodriguez, who was ranked as no. 5 pound for pound by The Ring
Guevara (42-4-1, 22 KOs) earned the right to face Rodriguez after his upset split decision victory over Andrew Moloney in May. The 35-year-old from Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico has lost to world champion boxers for the first time in his 16-year career and has won two in a row since his two-decision loss to Carlos Cuadras last November.
“I’m telling you right now that I’m going to prepare to have a war and a big show and win on November 9th in Philadelphia. I go with everything and for everything, Viva Mexico and Viva Mazatlan, Sinaloa,” Guevara said.
