“When [Terence Crawford] Fought Avanesyan Everyone Cried”: Fans Express Their Frustration Over Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis’ Next Fight

Philadelphia native Jaron Ennis has gradually cemented his status as one of the rising stars in boxing. Given his stellar performances until now, Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing signed him in April this year. Ennis was scheduled to defend his IBF welterweight title against the mandatory challenger, Cody Crowley on July 13th. However, the latter had to pull out of the fight due to medical reasons related to his eye. 

Nevertheless, Crowley has now been replaced by former WBA interim welterweight champion David Avanesyan. The Russian boxer is 35, and probably this will be his last chance for a title shot before he retires from the sport. Fans were excited to see 26-year-old Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis going up against an undefeated Crowley. However, the same cannot be said about his fight with Avanesyan. Why?

Last shot for David Avanesyan 

The bout is slated to take place in Boots’ hometown, Philadelphia. Deeply grateful for this chance, David Avanesyan sets his sights on electrifying the Philadelphia crowd at the Wells Fargo Center. Reclaiming his championship title is his ultimate goal, a victory that would pave the way for a well-deserved and peaceful retirement. But with a record of 30-4-1, an undefeated Boots in his prime will be a tough opponent for Ava. And he knows it too.

While talking to Boxingscene about his upcoming matchup, Avanesyan stated, “I’d like to thank Matchroom and my manager Neil Marsh for this great opportunity. I do not need asking twice to have a war with somebody, especially a fighter as highly rated as Jaron Ennis.” He further added, ”I really respect Ennis and think he could become one of the best. I promise we will find out just how good he could become on July 13th.” With only a couple of hours more to go, it remains to be seen how things will turn out for David Avanesyan.

Despite his confidence, there has been an uproar online since the announcement of Avanesyan replacing Crowley. The same was evident in the comments section of an X post made by Matchroom Boxing hyping up the fight. Take a look at what fans had to say about it. 

“No biggy” for Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis 

Boxing fans don’t feel that Avanesyan is truly a big challenge for the young and talented Jaron Ennis. Opinions along these lines flooded the comments section after the announcement of the fight. A fan brought up Avanesyan’s fight with Terence ‘Bud’ Crawford in 2022. The fan suggested that the Crawford vs. Avanesyan fight wasn’t considered a good matchup before it happened as Avanesyan was considered an underdog or not a worthy opponent for Crawford. Now that his opponent is Boots, the fan thinks this will be a more even fight.

Another boxing fan, more critical of Ava, feels that the Philadelphia native will put Avanesyan to sleep before the 6th round. He feels that it is an ok matchup, and Avanesyan is not good enough to defeat an elite talent like Boots.

This is a chance for folks to check if Ennis is really on Terence Crawford’s level. Crawford knocked out Avanesyan in the sixth round. An X user believes that if Ennis floors Avanesyan before the 6th round, it will prove Ennis’ talent. Anything beyond round 6 will prove that Jaron Ennis is not on the same level as Crawford.

Ennis had challenged Crawford for a clash. Given this, a fan stated that Ennis wants to beat ‘Bud’, but he is now going up against a fighter that ‘Bud’ defeated with ease. How does that make Boots an eligible candidate to challenge the might of Bud Crawford? 

Jaron Ennis has proved his mettle through his sensational performances until now. One fan thinks that it’s a “no biggy” for Boots. 

Another boxing enthusiast appreciated Ennis’ confidence and guts. The fan pointed out that Conor Benn refused to fight David Avanesyan, but Ennis had the confidence to go up against him. 

Perhaps, the Russian welterweight has a lot of pressure on him as fans don’t feel he is good enough to fight ‘Boots’. However, this is a chance for David Avanesyan to come in as an underdog and break Ennis’ winning streak by defeating him. What do you think will happen on July 13?