Jaron "Boots" Ennis successfully defended his IBF welterweight title on Saturday, defeating Ukraine's Karen Chukhadzhian by unanimous decision in a highly competitive bout at Philadelphia's Wells Fargo Centre. The two had faced off in 2023, with Ennis winning on points, and the rematch saw the American fighter land heavier punches throughout the contest. Ennis, determined to secure a knockout, dropped Chukhadzhian to one knee in the fifth round after delivering a sharp three-punch combination.
Despite the knockdown, Chukhadzhian fought back, wobbling Ennis in the eighth round with a powerful left hook and a couple of strong right hands. However, Ennis maintained control of the fight, continuing to land effective shots and never appearing in serious danger. His dominance was reflected in the judges' scorecards, which favored him with scores of 119-107, 117-109, and 116-110.
After improving his record to 33-0 with 29 knockouts, Ennis hinted at a potential move up in weight, suggesting he might move from the 147-pound welterweight division to the 154-pound junior middleweight class. "I think it might be time to go to '54," Ennis said, noting that he felt he would be even stronger and more powerful in the higher weight class.
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