Matchroom Boxing is shaking things up with a cheeky offer to the one and only Jaron “Boots” Ennis, aiming to add some spice to their roster.
Matchroom is playing cupid, trying to woo Ennis for his first IBF welterweight title defense under their banner in the upcoming months. The 26-year-old phenom got a controversial nod from the IBF, which stripped Terence Crawford of the title, leaving Ennis at the top of the heap, pondering his next move like a chess master.
Last July, under the Premier Boxing Champions flag, Ennis showed his might, sending Roiman Villa packing in 10 rounds. While everyone knows he’s got the goods, he’s still on the hunt for that career-defining fight. And Eddie Hearn of Matchroom is itching to be the one to serve it up on a silver platter.
Hearn, in a chat with ProBox TV, shared some inside scoop. He’s been in talks with Ennis for ages. The big question from Ennis’ camp is whether Matchroom can get other champs in the ring with him. It’s a tough ask, given Ennis’ stellar skills that make other fighters think twice. Hearn’s plan? To make Ennis a superstar in six to twelve months so that other welterweights can’t resist the allure of a fight with him.
Amidst this, Conor Benn’s been knocking on Hearn’s door, eager to fight Ennis. Hearn muses about hosting the fight at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but suggests a tussle with Adrien Broner might be a smarter move to build Ennis’ profile. It’s a mad world, but hey, that’s boxing for you.
Hearn dreams of elevating Ennis in Philadelphia. If Crawford moves up a division, Ennis could be crowned the undisputed king of the welterweights. Matchroom’s thrown offers Ennis’ way, and Hearn’s fingers are crossed for a deal.
If Crawford steps up to 154lbs for a rematch with Errol Spence, Ennis will be the man to beat in the welterweight world. Matchroom could boast the crème de la crème of fighters at 147lbs and 140lbs with Ennis and Devin Haney.
Reflecting on Haney’s recent triumphs, Hearn praises his journey to stardom. Haney’s not just a good fighter; he’s a good kid too. He’s got options galore, including a potential fight with Conor Benn, who’s chomping at the bit for a showdown.
Meanwhile, Regis Prograis could face Subriel Matias, Richardson Hitchins, or Jack Catterall. Matchroom’s got a full house at 140lbs and is ready to roll the dice.