Jaron Ennis promises to score an electrifying victory over David Avanesyan on Saturday before collecting all the welterweight titles.
The IBF champion puts his belt on the line against a late replacement in the former world title challenger and plans to satisfy his home crowd with the first big boxing event in some time. “Boots” campaigns in Philadelphia under the guidance of Eddie Hearn, who believes Ennis can become a massive star in his native city.
“It’s been a minute. I know you all missed me. Fighting at home is everything to me. It’s where I’m from. It’s where I started,” said Ennis. “I’ll fight anyone. I don’t care who it is. I want to get back in the ring, and someone is going to pay.
“We haven’t had a big fight here, and I don’t know how long it will last. This is what the city needs. This homecoming is everything. It’ll be a blessing to walk out in front of my friends and family and ultimately shine. Knowing that I have my ‘hood and my city behind me is a blessing, and I’m going to keep putting on for those guys.”
Ennis added about the Avanesyan fight and his future plans: “I’m excited about collecting all the belts and becoming undisputed. July 13 is going to be fireworks; don’t miss it.
“Staying active is the key. Having this time off isn’t going to affect me at all. I just want to get back in the ring. What makes me the best in the division? I can do everything, whatever you want. I got it.”
“It’s a better fight than Cody Crowley, but I’ll beat him up, break him down, and get the knockout. I can’t wait. It’s a blessing to be able to fight here. I’m ready to put on a show and look good doing it. Beat him up, break him down, get the stoppage, and have my fun!”
On heading back to Philly, Ennis stated, “I feel that I am going to thrive here and put on a beautiful show. I’m fighting at home, and I’m comfortable. I’m on the couch with my feet up, so it’s going to be a great show.
“The opponent switch doesn’t mean anything to me. We have southpaws and orthodox in camp, pressure fighters, and boxers; we do everything. We’re standing on business. I’m not going in there looking for the stoppage, but I will have fun and put on a show. I’ll let the knockout come to me.
“It’s going to be turned up in here. Fireworks. It’s going to be lit up. I’m excited. You are going to see a beautiful show, and I’m going to show the world and the 147-pound division that I am the best.”
An opponent of few words, Avanesyan said, “Many people say ‘you are crazy,’ but this is my life. I know only boxing – so you call me to say ‘you are fighting’ and I start training. I think that this is a 50-50 fight. He’s younger, He’s strong, it’s a very good fight.”
Read all articles and exclusive interviews by Phil Jay. Learn more about the author, experienced boxing writer, and World Boxing News Editor since 2010. Follow on Twitter @PhilJWBN.
