2023 figures to be Jaron Ennis’ year.
The gifted welterweight contender has delivered one dazzling knockout after another and is now on the precipice of getting his first opportunity to fight for a world title. He’s ranked in the Top 3 by all four major sanctioning bodies, No. 1 by the IBF.
And a victory over Karen Chukhadzhiann – for the IBF “interim” title – on the Gervonta Davis-Hector Luis Garcia pay-per-view card Jan. 7 at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. will further bolster his credentials.
Ennis (29-0, 27 KOs) has his sights set on one champion but is open to facing any opponent.
“I feel like Errol Spence Jr. would fight me,” said Ennis, referring to the IBF-WBA-WBO 146-pound titleholder. “I’m going in there with the intention of winning the interim title, then fighting Errol next. I think we can make it happen.
“I’ll move up to 154 pounds at some point for sure. I’m strong and I can move up and down if I have to. I’ll fight anyone at 154 or 147.”
Of course, his plans will amount to nothing if he fails to beat Chukhadzhiann, a capable boxer-puncher who has fought exclusively in Europe.
Ennis doesn’t know much about Chukhadzhiann (21-1, 11 KOs) but he’s pretty sure the Ukrainian won’t survive long, an expectation that’s based on history. Not one of his 29 opponents has gone past six rounds against him.
He has been compared to Roy Jones Jr., a wonderful athlete with blinding speed and one-punch knockout power in his prime. Ennis said he’s emulating another Hall of Famer known for his ability to destroy.
“I’ve just been watching a lot of Mike Tyson myself,” he said. “He put a lot of punches together. Triple, doubles, same hands, lots of knockouts. He didn’t see too many late rounds. I’ve been watching him a lot this camp.”
With that in mind, he suggests you get settled into your seat at ringside or at home by the opening bell. Otherwise, you might miss the whole thing.
Said Ennis: “It’s safe to say we’re looking to have a short night on January 7.
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