By Frank Bartolini

Matchroom Boxing is returned to Philadelphia on Saturday night in front of over fourteen thousand derrieres in the seats. Eddie Hearn won the IBF Welterweight King Jarron”Boots” Ennis Sweepstakes. After the demise of Showtime Boxing’s demise, Ennis Philadelphia, PA., was left without a promotional contract. Promoters from around the globe lined up outside the “Philly’s Next Champ” boxing gym to court the world champion. Hearn cashed the winning ticket and immediately began scheduling to have “Boots’ defend his crown in Philadelphia. Specifically The Wells Fargo Center where the event was held.
Armenian David Avanesyan, 147 lbs., was brought in to challenge Ennis’s belt. Being heavily favored did not deter Ennis’ preparedness. A physically primed Ennis, 146.5 lbs., adorned with a light blue and white decorum for his homecoming. Once Ennis disrobed his chiseled physique was on display.
From the sound of the opening gong Ennis controlled the action scoring hard to the head and body. One body punch from Ennis landed south of the border. Upon receiving the Avanesyan fell to his hands and stayed there a couple minutes. Ennis finished the first session strongly when Avanesyan regained his feet after recovering.
To his credit Avaneysyan arrived to win a world title and move forward throughout the contest. While getting pummeled during the bout Avaneseyan managed to get his licks in. Quite a few right uppercuts to the chin by Avasyan snapped Ennis’ head back. Some of Avanesyan stung Ennis. Ennis would get backed up against the ropes or into a corner and respond with fire power. With about a minute left in the fifth Boots followed a left hook to the midsection followed by a left square on the chin that sent Avanesyan crashing to the canvas. Gamely beating the count, Avanesysan received a beating until the bell rang. Wisely after the ring physician and Avasyan corner convened they chose not to allow the boxer out for the next session. At this referee Eric Dalli waved off the affair and declared Ennis the victor by fifth round TKO.
Born in Russia, Avaneysyan calls the United Kingdom his home and flies back to England with a 30-5 18 KO’s record. Ennis remains undefeated at 32-0 29 KO’s.
Earlier In the evening New Jersey Native and Philly based junior featherweight Christain Carto,124.5 lbs., systematically broke down overmatched Carlos Buitrago, Nicaragua, , with power punches landing on every legal area above the torso. Hitting the canvas in round three after suffering a painful trouncing, Buitrago,125.75 lbs., rose to finish the round. Wisely for all those involved in Buitrago corner it was decided their charge would be better served by his tailbone staying on the ring stool. Being declared winner bny third round TKO Carto is now 23-1 16 KO’s. Buitrago dips to 38-14 22 KO’s.
A big ticket seller, Carto turned pro around the same time as Ennis. At one time Carto was a promising prospect that was being offered contracts by numerous promoters. After suffering an upset knockout loss back in 2019 Carto’s was stalled by the COVID pandemic and a series of injuries. From February 2019 until the end of 2023 Carto only fought three times. Under the tutelage of Bose Ennis and promoted by Marshall Kaufman’s Kings Promotions, Carto’s career is back on track scoring three victories by knockout in 2024.
Since invading the shores of America in November of 2017 Matchroom Promotions promoted numerous shows in the United States. What would the fight game be today in the USA if this promoter never chose to do business here. At the post fight conference Eddie Hearn

said he would like to bring back Ennis to the Wells Fargo Center in late October or November of the year.

Photo courtesy of Matchroom Boxing