IBF WELTERWEIGHT champion Jaron “Boots” Ennis has signed a multi-fight promotional deal with Matchroom.
The 26-year-old from Philadelphia last fought in July 2023 knocking out Roiman Villa in the 10th round of their interim title fight in Atlantic City. Three months later the IBF elevated him to full champion status after the sanctioning body stripped Terence “Bud” Crawford of the belt having become undisputed welterweight champion that summer demolishing closest rival Errol Spence Jr. Crawford, however, still holds the WBC, IBF and WBA titles at 147lbs.
Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has made no secret of his admiration of Ennis, 31-0 (28), and reportedly held discussions with the titlist’s representatives last year. Ennis was promoted by Cameron Dunkin and fought on Showtime during their broadcast deal with Premier Boxing Champions which ended last year prompting Amazon Prime to team up with PBC as their new broadcast partner.
Hearn who already promotes the likes of Jesse Rodriguez, Devin Haney and Edgar Berlanga Stateside now has his man who is slated to make a return to the ring this summer in the first defence of his title.
“I’m excited for this partnership with Eddie Hearn, Matchroom and DAZN,” said Ennis.
“I can’t wait to continue making my mark and becoming undisputed champion world champion. I’ve been out of the ring for a year, and I cannot wait to get back in and do what I do best, entertain the fans and put on clinics. There are blockbuster fights on the horizon for me, and I am ready to deliver them.”
Hearn expressed his delight at the latest addition to the Matchroom Boxing roster.
“Wow – what a signing. I’ve watched this man for many years, and I always believed he would become a pound-for-pound great, and I have no doubt he is the greatest fighter in the division.
“Holding the IBF title in one of boxing’s glamour divisions places Jaron front and centre for some of the biggest fights out there in the sport, and we plan to deliver them for him.
“Jaron has everything needed to become a household name both in the sport and in the sporting hotbed of his Philadelphia hometown, where we are committed to building him. Fight fans can get excited for his return in the summer as he looks to hunt down the biggest fights that will elevate him to the pound-for-pound list.”