The replacement opponent for Jaron "Boots" Ennis is David Avanesyan, who will get an unexpected shot at the IBF welterweight title at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on July 13. The Russian-born Armenian will be replacing mandatory challenger Cody Crowley.
Last week, ESPN’s Mike Coppinger revealed that Crowley had been pulled from the date after failing an eye exam. Unfortunately, this is the second time a fight between Boots and the Canadian lefty has fallen through, so a new opponent had to be sourced.
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Luckily for Team Ennis, there was enough time for the switch, so promoter Eddie Hearn went to work. In an interview on the Matchroom YouTube channel, the UK-based promoter revealed three names that he liked the look of: Shakhram Giyasov, Gabriel Valenzuela and David Avanesyan.
Perhaps due to his name recognition, it's Avanesyan who got the call.
The Sporting News takes a look at Boots' next challenger.
Who is David Avanesyan?
- Record: 30-4-1 (18 KOs)
Avanesyan, 35, is a veteran and a hard hitter who has mixed with some solid competition.
Between 2018 and 2022, Avanesyan scored six consecutive knockouts (three in the first round) and developed something of a bogeyman reputation. However, multi-weight world champion and pound-for-pound stalwart Terence Crawford brought him back down to earth courtesy of a shuddering sixth-round knockout.
Ava's best wins have come against a faded Shane Mosley, Kerman Lejarraga and Josh Kelly. He is currently rated No. 14 with the IBF.
"I'd like to thank Matchroom and my manager Neil Marsh for this great opportunity," Avanesyan told BoxingScene on Tuesday. "I do not need asking twice to have a war with somebody, especially a fighter as highly rated as Jaron Ennis.
"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."