The recent revelation by promoter Eddie Hearn regarding the IBF’s decision to mandate Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis to defend his welterweight title against mandatory challenger Karen Chukhadzhian has sparked a wave of disappointment in the boxing community. While Chukhadzhian is undoubtedly a skilled fighter, the fact that Ennis has already defeated him in a previous bout raises questions about the significance of this rematch in Ennis’ career trajectory.
Eddie Hearn’s attempts to secure a unification bout between Ennis and WBC champion Mario Barrios seem to be facing obstacles, with Hearn expressing his frustration at the lack of progress in negotiations. The alternative suggestion of a matchup between Ennis and British fighter Conor Benn presents its own set of challenges, particularly in terms of garnering interest from the American audience. Despite Benn’s popularity in the UK, his relative obscurity in the US could hinder the fight’s potential as a major draw.
Hearn’s ultimate goal of turning Jaron Ennis into a superstar is at risk of being thwarted by the IBF’s insistence on enforcing the mandatory defense against Chukhadzhian. While Ennis’ undefeated record and impressive knockout ratio suggest that he has the potential to become a household name in the sport, the lack of high-profile matchups could slow down his ascent to stardom. Hearn’s emphasis on securing unification fights for Ennis highlights the importance of facing top-tier competition in order to solidify his status as a legitimate contender in the welterweight division.
As negotiations continue with both Barrios and Benn, the coming months will be crucial in determining the next steps for Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis and Eddie Hearn. The decision to either comply with the IBF’s mandate or pursue alternative avenues for Ennis’ career could have far-reaching implications for his future in the sport. Whether Ennis will stay on course towards superstardom or face unexpected challenges along the way remains to be seen. The coming matchups will undoubtedly shape the narrative of Ennis’ career and determine his place in the welterweight landscape.