There is a lot on the line when welterweight contender Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis 29-0 (27) takes on Karen Chukhadzhian 21-1 (11) at the Capital One Arena in Washington DC on Saturday night.
The winner of the bout will claim the vacant IBF interim title and put themselves in the box seat for a shot at full champion Errol ‘The Truth’ Spence Jr 28-0 (22), who also holds the WBC and WBA crowns.
Ennis is currently the IBF number one contender, while Chukhadzhian sits a few rungs behind him at number four.
The 25-year-old Ennis from Philadelphia is one of the hottest properties in boxing. He has entertained with exciting knockouts throughout his seven year pro career and has not heard the final bell in six years.
The longest one of Ennis’ fights has lasted is six rounds when he knocked out former IBF junior welterweight champion Sergey Lipinets 17-2-1 (13) two years ago.
He will be looking to continue his knockout streak, making Chukhadzhian his 20th scalp in a row.
“This win can put me right in line for Errol Spence Jr. This is a perfect time to make a big statement and I can’t wait,” Ennis said.
“I’m looking to make a statement to the whole world. I’m just focused on putting on a show, getting an explosive knockout and then seeing what’s next.
“I’m on my ‘Iron’ Mike Tyson. I don’t go in there looking for the knockout, but if I see that opening, I’m definitely taking it. I’m not afraid to get him out early. Everyone knows I’m in and out like a robbery.
“I’m putting my own twist on Tyson. I picked up a few things from watching Tyson, so this is gonna be a fun night. I’m going to be explosive with it.
“My message to the world is just continue to watch me grow and progress and make sure you don’t miss this knockout on Saturday night. Philly is definitely gonna be in the building.”
Ukraine’s Chukhadzhian, 26, is a virtual unknown in the American market and will be making his US debut.
“Jaron is a very strong fighter, but we’ve trained very well ourselves. I’ve worked with a lot of different fighters in sparring and we have a good strategy. I’m here to fight and win,” Chukhadzhian said.
“This is my chance to prove myself to the US public. Everyone knows the biggest fights are here in the US and I plan to be back again.
“I’ve wanted an opportunity like this and I’m very motivated finally being here in the US. I’m coming to win for everybody rooting me on in Ukraine.
“I can’t get caught up with worrying too much about Ennis and what he can do. I have great abilities and I trained hard with only one goal in mind. That’s winning on Saturday night.”
