The unification fight between IBF welterweight champion Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis and WBO champ Brian Norman Jr. has been called off. Promoter Eddie Hearn revealed that Ennis will have to decide whether to defend his title against mandatory challenger Karen Chukhadzhian or vacate the belt and move up to the 154-pound division.
Fans are eager to see Ennis move up to the 154-pound division to challenge top fighters like Terence Crawford, Vergil Ortiz Jr, Tim Tszyu, Serhii Bohachuk, and Israil Madrimov. However, Ennis does not seem enthusiastic about taking on such tough opponents, preferring to stay in the comfortable territory of the welterweight division where he has been dominating.
On the other hand, WBO champion Brian Norman Jr. has chosen to defend his title against IBF #7-ranked contender Derrieck Cuevas. Norman turned down a $1.5 million offer from Hearn to fight Ennis, a decision that may seem wise considering the potential long-term financial gains of remaining a champion in the WBO.
Eddie Hearn has suggested that Ennis may consider moving up to the 154-pound division to find more willing opponents. However, the competition in the higher weight class is much tougher, with fighters like Vergil Ortiz, Israil Madrimov, and Terence Crawford posing significant challenges. Ennis would no longer be the big fish in the pond but would instead be a contender facing uncertainty.
Leaving the welterweight division where Ennis has found success and moving up to 154 comes with its own set of risks. The competition is fiercer, and Ennis could potentially struggle against the more seasoned fighters in the division. The decision to face lesser opponents in his current weight class or risk it all by moving up is a difficult one for Ennis to make.
Overall, the decision of whether to defend his welterweight title or vacate it to move up to 154 is a complex one for Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis. While fans may be eager to see him challenge the elite fighters in the higher weight class, the risks and uncertainties associated with such a move make it a tough decision for the young champion. Ultimately, only time will tell where Ennis’ future in boxing lies.