Ennis: ‘I don’t know, it might be time to go to 154’

For the second time, undefeated IBF 147-pound champion Jaron “Boots” Ennis (33-0, 29 KOs) defeated Karen Chukhadzhian (24-3, 13 KOs) by unanimous decision on Saturday night at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.

Ennis, who defeated Chukhadzhian by unanimous decision in January 2023, won this fight by scores of  119-107, 117-109, and 116-110.

Chukhadzhian was Ennis’ mandatory, and it was a fight no one wanted, but give the Ukranian challenger credit; he came to fight on Saturday.

In the first fight, Chukhadzhian did a lot of running and landed only 90 punches. However, in this fight, according to Compubox, he landed 173 punches(123 power punches), which is the most by an Ennis opponent.

“Boots,” who landed 224 punches, including 177 power punches, had a lot of good moments in this fight and was in complete control, including knocking Chukhadzhian down at the end of Round 5.

The Philly native was never in danger in this fight, but after this performance, Ennis said he should have listened to his corner more.

“After I dropped [Chukhadzhian] I felt like he was holding ever since then,” Ennis said. “That’s on me, though; I needed to take half a step back, rip those shots, use my angles, and just listen more. My dad was saying everything right, and I just wasn’t listening.” 

There are a lot of names at 154, and Ennis believes it might be time to join them.

“My performance was okay,” he said. “I don’t know, it might be time to go to 154. I felt good, but I feel at 154, I’m going to be way better…I was prepared for anything he had coming; it didn’t really matter to me.”

One guy who could be next for Ennis is WBC interim junior middleweight champion Vergil Ortiz, and according to Ennis’ promoter, Eddie Hearn, the fight could be next.

“We spoke to His Excellency, it’s really just a case of making the fight,” Hearn said. “I’m sure that I’ll get a phone call in the next 10-15 minutes to confirm the fight; we’re ready to go for February 22. It’s getting tight for Boots at 147, and it’s probably time to move to 154, and if we do, then Boots vs Vergil Ortiz is the best fight in the sport…It’s going to be a lot of fun; I look forward to it.”

Ennis had another successful homecoming, but it was not one of his better performances. If he gets hit like he did on Saturday night against a top fighter, Ennis could have some problems. He has to improve his defense.

In fairness to him, it’s hard to get motivated, for guys like Chukhadzhian and “Boots” fought a little unmotivated at times. However, Ennis’ is still a great talent, and he’s ready to unify at 147 or fight the top guys at 154. 

Photo: Mark Robinson/Amanda Westcott/Matchroom Boxing.