OVER the last couple of weeks, it has become clear that Jaron Ennis’ time at welterweight has come to an end. The Philadelphian has now officially vacated his IBF world title as a move up to 154lbs beckons.
Ennis, 34-0 (30 KOs), became the full IBF world champion in 2023 when he was upgraded from IBF Interim titleholder after Terence Crawford was stripped for not facing him.
Since then, ‘Boots’ has had a rollercoaster reign, displaying his superstar potential in a homecoming beatdown of David Avanesyan in his first defence. An underwhelming rematch win over Karen Chukhadzhian followed soon after.
That showing convinced many that Ennis’ best days at 147lbs were behind him. However, rather than moving up, the 28-year-old opted to instead take on WBA welterweight champion Eimantas Stanionis in a daring and dangerous unification clash in April.
Although many feared that Stanionis could spring the upset, Ennis put together a career-best performance to stop the Lithuanian and hand him his first career defeat, becoming the unified champion in the process. That display suitably reminded fans of his talent.
Yet, despite his goal to become an undisputed champion, Ennis took to social media to reveal that he would be moving up to the super-welterweight scene last month, blowing the welterweight division wide open.
In the latest IBF rankings, the title has been confirmed as vacant, substantiating Ennis’ announcement.
As a result, it is expected that the rematch between fierce rivals Lewis Crocker, 21-0 (11 KOs), and Paddy Donovan, 14-1 (11 KOs), will have the added incentive of the IBF welterweight world title on the line when they collide for a second time.
As for the WBA title, it is expected that this too will become vacant soon, with Rolando Romero, 17-2 (13 KOs), anticipated to capitalise and be upgraded to full world champion imminently.
However, Romero would then be tasked with a difficult first defence of the WBA world title, as mandatory challenger Shakhram Giyasov, 17-0 (10 KOs), eagerly awaits his shot at welterweight gold. It will be interesting to see how everything plays out following Ennis’ decision.
