Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis Reveals Fascinating Future Ambitions and Talks Philly Homecoming Fight

On July 13, at the  Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Jaron “Boots” Ennis (31-0, 28 KOs) will defend his IBF welterweight title against the tough Russian fighter David Avanesyan (30-4-1, 18 KOs). Ahead of his Matchroom debut live on DAZN, “Boots” has spoken to Dan Rafael on the Fight Freaks Unite recap podcast about signing for Matchroom, fighting in Philly and more.

Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis Talks to Dan Rafael

‘Boots’ Discusses Homecoming, Switching Opponents and Being Elevated to Full IBF Champion

After exchanging pleasantries, Dan Rafael asked “Boots” spoke about his preparation for fight night and he said:“Everything‘s going great.”

Ennis was then asked about his Philly homecoming and what it means to fight in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: “It’s a very big deal. This is the first fight at the Wells Fargo Center. It’s a blessing to be able to fight at the Wells Fargo Center.”

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Ennis was asked about switching opponents from Cody Crowley to Avanesyan due to Crowley’s eye problem and if he’s disappointed by the change: “It’s all the same to me. I’m just glad to be back in the ring, glad to be able to fight. I told Eddie (Hearn) before the fight even happened (was announced) to make sure I had a backup just in case.”

Asked about being elevated to full IBF champion after Terence Crawford declined to fight him, “Boots” said: “I mean, you always want to take the belt from a champion. That was the goal, to take the belt from the champion.” He continued:“There was nothing I could do, it was out of my control.”

Ennis Talks Avanesyan

Rafael went on to the upcoming fight against Avanesyan and asked “Boots” if it was in his mind to KO the Armenian quicker than Crawford did: “Nah, I really don’t care about that. Like I said I’m excited to be back in the ring. That’s my main thing, being back in the ring, putting on a show for my friends and family. Throwing in a big statement with a big knockout. I’m going in to have fun and put on a show.”

He added: “I really don’t care about what these other guys be doing.”

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The Philadelphia fighter then spoke about the style of Avanesyan: “He kind of fights like my last opponent, like (Roiman) Villa. He’s just not as big,” said Ennis. He continued: “Puts pressure, that’s it. Right in front of you, don’t move his head. It’s gonna be a long night for him.”

He added: “I’m going in there to put on a show, have fun, be smart, take my time, beat him up, break him down and put on a beautiful show.”

Signing With Matchroom

When asked what made him sign for Matchroom, Ennis said: “I just went with what was best for my career. I like to stay active, and that’s my whole thing. Stay active, stay busy, stay sharp.”

He added: “I just like the way that Eddie moves his guys. They fight frequently. Keep active. Keep sharp.”

Looking to Fight Night

When asked about fighting in his hometown as a reigning world champion, Ennis expressed his excitement: “It’s gonna feel amazing. Like I said before, I had just rung the bell in March at the Sixers game. I told my security that I was going to sell this place out and I’m doing it, so it’s going to be a blessing, it’s going to be everything. Everything I’ve dreamed of. I can’t wait. I’m ready. I’m excited.”

Listen to the full interview below with Jaron “Boots” Ennis as Dan Rafael and TJ Rives recap the weekend’s action, latest news and nostalgia.

Looking to the Future

“Boots” was then asked about what his future aims are beyond David Avanesyan: “My main goal is to be undisputed at 147 (pounds). After this fight I want to collect the rest of the belts, then move up to 54 (154) and do the same thing at 54. Then 60 (160), then 68 (168), maybe 68.”

Rafael then asked “Boots” who he sees as his biggest fight at welterweight: “I ain’t gonna lie, all of them. They all big fights coz they all have a belt, every last one of them.”