JARON ‘Boots’ Ennis puts his IBF welterweight title on the line against WBA champion Eimantas Stanionis in a high-quality Atlantic City unification. Their styles contrast, yet these two undefeated boxers bring enticing skill sets.
Supporting the Philadelphia fireball and Lithuanian ex-Olympian is a solid cast of characters, each with their own goals and aspirations within the fight game. Let’s see who is set to grace the stage in this Matchroom show on April 12.
Raymond Ford vs. Thomas Mattice
Continuing the rebuilding process after his razor-thin loss to Nick Ball in Saudi Arabia, Ray Ford looks to take one step back towards world-class with a WBA Continental Americas title opportunity. The bauble in itself is meaningless, but it represents a route back to Ball. Fading Cleveland puncher Mattice must be dealt with first.
Arturo ‘Popoca’ Cardenas vs. Christian Carto
Popoca is unbeaten in 16 outings, with an early-career draw representing the only blemish. Two fights ago, the Mexican scored his best win so far, outpointing Danny Barrios Flores by majority decision. Carto has a nice record and can punch. His sole loss, to a fighter with 10 losses, is a potential weakness that Popoca will seek to jump on.
Shakhram Giyasov vs. Franco Maximiliano Ocampo
Battling through intense personal tragedy, Uzbekistan’s Giyasov will have to somehow focus back on boxing and improve his 16-0 slate. Argentine opponent Ocampo is rugged and likely to cause issues, but ‘Wonder Boy’ should be too seasoned.
Tahmir Smalls vs. Earl Bascome
This should be a tasty, well-matched affair between Philadelphia’s Smalls (13-0) and Bermuda-born, Baltimore-based Bascome (13-1). Has Earl still got the drive to compete? Smalls is the regional favourite and the noted puncher, so he should be looking to send out a welterweight statement.
Best of the rest
Fresh from his debut win in Orlando, Olympian Omari Jones gets straight back out against Adrien Broner’s former sparring partner, William Jackson. Novice pros Francisco Rodriguez and Zaquin Moses also feature.
