Dsalita Jaron Ennis, also known as “Boots,” is set to defend his IBF welterweight title against David Avanesyan in a last-minute switch-up after Cody Crowley was pulled from the bout for failing an eye exam. The fight is scheduled for Saturday, July 13, and will be the main event of a Matchroom Boxing card on DAZN in Philadelphia.
Ennis, with a record of 31-0 and 28 knockouts, is widely recognized as one of boxing’s emerging talents. This will be the 26-year-old’s first fight under Matchroom, having previously been part of Premier Boxing Champions. He secured the interim IBF belt in early 2023 and was later promoted to full champion status when Terence Crawford declined to face him and instead focused on moving up in weight classes.
His opponent, 35-year-old Avanesyan, holds a record of 30-4-1 with 18 knockouts. Despite losses to notable fighters like Lamont Peterson, Egidijus Kavaliauskas, and Crawford, Avanesyan has had a successful run at the European level from 2019 to 2022. While he may not pose a huge threat to Ennis on paper, Avanesyan is a credible fighter with limited options in the welterweight division.
Matchroom did their best to salvage the situation by securing Avanesyan as a replacement. The undercard for the event remains unchanged from its initial announcement a week ago.
