Philadelphia- Jaron Ennis was originally scheduled to face mandatory challenger Cody Crowley, but Crowley had to pull out of the fight due to double eye surgery in November and not receiving medical clearance.

Avanesyan, a 35-year-old Russian based in the U.K., replaced him on short notice and easily won the fight in December. Avanesyan, ranked No. 8 at 147 pounds by ESPN, holds the WBA interim welterweight title after defeating Shane Mosley in 2016. He was later promoted to champion but lost to Lamont Peterson in his first title defense.

Jaron Ennis defended his IBF welterweight championship with a fifth-round TKO win against David Avanesyan, in front of over 14,000 spectators at Philadelphia’s Wells Fargo Center.

Ennis, ranked as the No. 3 welterweight by ESPN, competed in his hometown for the first time since 2018.

Ennis (32-0, 28 KOs) unloaded furious combinations to Avanesyan’s face and midsection. He outlanded Avanesyan 152 to 53, 46% to 53%.The 26-year-old knocked down Avanesyan in the fifth round with a well-timed right hand counter, leading the challenger to retire in his corner at the end of the round.

It was found out after the fight that Avanesyan jaw had been broken in the fifth round onslaught.

After the fight Ennis called for a shot at a superstar in the sport. Terence “Bud” Crawford. “I felt off a little bit. … My timing was a little off,” said Ennis, who was competing for the first time in a year. “I want the big names though, Terence Crawford.”

Eddie Hearn had this to say after yesterday’s event: “The future of Boots Ennis is the future of boxing,” said promoter Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing, which signed Ennis to a multifight deal earlier this year. “I think he beats everyone. I think he’s just a special fighter that needs to be tested against the best in the world. … He’s going to be around for a long time.”

What are your thoughts on last nights fights? Tap in on Tuesday for Vinny’s Corner on the We Like Sportz Show.

By Vincent Quezada

Photo courtesy of Associated Press