IBF WELTERWEIGHT champion Jaron “Boots” Ennis has signed a multi-fight promotional deal with Matchroom.
The 26-year-old from Philadelphia last competed in July 2023 when he knocked out Roiman Villa in the 10th round of their interim title bout in Atlantic City. Three months later, the IBF elevated him to outright champion status after the sanctioning body stripped Terence “Bud” Crawford of his title after becoming undisputed welterweight champion that summer, defeating closest rival Errol Spence Jr. However, Crawford still holds the WBC, IBF and WBA titles at 147lbs.
Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has made no secret of his admiration for Ennis, 31-0 (28), and is said to have held discussions with representatives of the roster last year. Ennis was promoted by Cameron Dunkin and fought on Showtime as part of their broadcast deal with Premier Boxing Champions which ended last year, leaving Amazon Prime to partner with PBC as their new broadcast partner.
Hearn, who has promoted the likes of Jesse Rodriguez, Devin Haney and Edgar Berlanga Stateside, now has the man expected to return to the ring this summer for his first title defense mine.
Ennis said: “I am delighted for this partnership with Eddie Hearn, Matchroom and DAZN.
“I can't wait to continue making my mark and become the undisputed world champion. I've been out of the ring for a year and I can't wait to get back and do what I do best, entertain the fans and put in the clinic. There are blockbuster fights coming up for me and I'm ready to do them.”
Hearn expressed his delight at the latest addition to the Matchroom Boxing roster.
“Wow – what a deal. I've been watching this man for many years and I always believed he was going to be the greatest fighter, and I have no doubt that he is the greatest fighter in the division.
“Holding the IBF title in one of boxing's glamor divisions puts Jaron front and center for some of the biggest fights in the sport and we intend to put them in his hands.
“Jaron has everything it takes to become a household name both in sports and at the heart of the sport in his hometown of Philadelphia, where we are committed to building him up. Fight fans can rejoice in his return in the summer as he looks to hunt down the biggest fights that will elevate him up the pound-for-pound list.”
