Jaron Ennis defeats David Avanesyan by technical knockout to retain world title

Jaron "Boots" Ennis gave his hometown fans the knockout finish he promised, stopping David Avanesyan by fifth round technical knockout to retain the IBF welterweight title in Philadelphia.

Over 14,000 fans packed into the Wells Fargo Center to witness Ennis' first hometown fight since 2018, and first fight since last July. While Ennis said after the fight that ring rust played a factor, he looked sharp from the opening bell and built toward a highlight reel knockdown that ultimately ended the fight.

"I felt good; I felt off a little bit," Ennis said in the ring afterwards. "I didn't think I was going to have no ring rust because I've been in the gym 24/7, but I did feel a little off. But that's okay, you know, I got the job done ..."

In the final minute of round five, Ennis caught Avanesyan with a counter left hook that connected clean on the chin and sent Avanesyan tumbling to the canvas. Avanesyan beat the count and made it out of the round, but before the start of round six the fight was stopped on the advice of the ringside physician.

After the fight, ringside reporter Chris Mannix reported that Avanesyan may have suffered a broken jaw, which played a factor in the stoppage.

It was Ennis' debut under Matchroom Boxing and Eddie Hearn, who said after the fight that activity is a priority for "Boots." Hearn said title unification fights are the planned route for Ennis, before moving up to junior middleweight and taking on pound-for-pound king Terence Crawford.

"I'll say it, I think he beats everyone," Hearn said in the ring afterwards. "I think this is a special fighter that needs to be tested against the best in the world and that's our job now. Activity is key.

"Too many of these great young fighters are too inactive. We must get him back out October, November, we'd love to return to Philadelphia. We got to bring the bigger fights here, the unification fights. He's going to be around for a long time."

Current 147-pound champions include WBC title holder Mario Barrios, WBA title holder Eimantas Stanionis and interim WBO title holder Brian Norman Jr., all of whom Ennis would likely be a favorite to beat, especially after this impressive return from a year layoff.

Critical of his own performance, "Boots" still looked impressive as he battled through a game Avanesyan to improve to 32-0 with his 29th knockout victory.

Check below for live updates from throughout the Ennis vs. Avanesyan fight card.

Jaron Ennis vs David Avanesyan fight live updates

Fight is stopped in the corner, Jaron Ennis wins by TKO

After the knockdown Avanesyan returns to the corner and the fight is stopped! Knockdown was too much and the referee stops it on the advice of the ringside doctor, securing a TKO win for Boots Ennis in his first IBF title defense. It was a textbook left hook on the counter that sent Avanesyan straight down, he showed heart to get up but not a shock to see it stopped.

Jaron Ennis vs David Avanesyan: Round 5

92-35 connect advantage for Boots through four rounds. Opening thirty seconds and Boots overextends on a punch and slips, prompting an arms up celebration from Avanesyan. He'll take any little win he can get, although he's in the fight so far. Boots lands a perfect counter left hook flush on Avanesyan's chin, sending him to the canvas! Avanesyan beats the count but with 45 seconds left Boots is piling on the pressure with some big body shots. 10-8 round for Ennis as Avanesyan survives.

Jaron Ennis vs David Avanesyan: Round 4

Avanesyan landing some shots under pressure, but Ennis is throwing and landing more. Avanesyan's shots just not enough to keep Boots from coming forward. Anytime he gets to close range Boots unloads on Avanesyan, landing at a solid clip. Avanesyan being responsible with his guard, but plenty of shots from Ennis are getting through.

Jaron Ennis vs David Avanesyan: Round 3

Boots outlanding Avanesyan 48-20 through two rounds. Boots piles on the pressure, unloading on a guarded Avanesyan in the opening minute. Avanesyan's countershots not enough to keep Boots from pressing him. Avanesyan gets Boots on the ropes but he looks comfortable, responding with a few nice shots under pressure.

Jaron Ennis vs David Avanesyan: Round 2

Avanesyan now fighting from southpaw to open the round. Boots unloading some nice combinations on Avanesyan, but Avanesyan responds with some strong shots to push him off. Avanesyan certainly not backing down this round. Inside the final minute and both fighters trading in the center of the ring. Boots probably takes it but good round for Avanesyan.

Jaron Ennis vs David Avanesyan: Round 1

Over 10,000 fans packed into Wells Fargo Center tonight for Boots Ennis' homecoming. Going in this fight feels like a matter of when Boots gets a stoppage, not if.

Boots fighting orthodox to start, looks the much bigger man in the ring. Boots starts out working the jab with some success; he has already switched to southpaw. Boots catches Avanesyan with a big shot on the belt, sends him down but the referee rules a low blow, looked low on replay. Good opening round for Ennis.

Jaron Ennis vs David Avanesyan fight undercard results

• Jalil Hackett def. Peter Dobson by unanimous decision
• Skye Nicolson def. Dyana Vargas by unanimous decision
• Khalil Coe def. Kwame Ritter by TKO in round 2

Jaron Ennis vs David Avanesyan undercard live updates

Jalil Hackett cruises to unanimous decision victory

Jalil Hackett cruised to a unanimous decision victory against Peter Dobson to improve to 9-0 in the co-main event of tonight's card. The judges' scorecards were 97-93, 97-93 and 96-94 all for Hackett. Hackett outlanded Dobson 200-127 in the fight.

Hackett and Dobson traded well in the opening rounds, with Dobson landing some big shots, but Hackett's continuous pressure resulted in lots of connects. Hackett began to open up a lead in the middle rounds as he continued to pressure Dobson, while Dobson slowed.

Late in the fight Dobson improved and started to up the tempo again, but it was too little too late as Hackett's activity was enough to secure him the victory on all three cards. Hackett had never been the distance previously and will learn a lot from that bout as he continues to rise up the ranks.

Jalil Hackett vs Peter Dobson: Round 10

In all likelihood Dobson needs a KO to win, although that doesn't seem impossible with the way he's picked things up late. Dobson starting to unload more this round, but Hackett responds with good shots of his own each time. Hackett looked to tire slightly as the fight went on, but he was comfortable throughout and should take a comfortable decision.

Jalil Hackett vs Peter Dobson: Round 9

Dobson's corner told him they want him to pull a "Gervonta," referencing 'Tank' Davis' tendency to lose rounds before winning on a big knockout. Hackett still applying the pressure and landing nice shots, but his energy looks a little diminished these past couple of rounds. Dobson still looks dangerous with some big shots just missing, he's been more active these past few rounds.

Jalil Hackett vs Peter Dobson: Round 8

Hackett remaining active with the jab, which has set up other shots for him at close range. Dobson seems to be waiting for the right opening to connect on a bomb, it hasn't come yet. Dobson isn't throwing as much as before, but he is connecting on some solid shots, nothing that's really fazed Hackett though.

Jalil Hackett vs Peter Dobson: Round 7

The injury to Dobson's head came from an accidental elbow earlier in the fight. Dobson's shots don't seem to have the same power as earlier in the fight, Hackett is walking through everything. Hackett continues to pressure and land frequently as he throws combinations at range. Second half of the round Dobson picks things up, landing some nice shots. Maybe even enough to take the round.

Jalil Hackett vs Peter Dobson: Round 6

Hackett certainly looks to be building toward a stoppage, but Dobson has never been stopped. Huge lump appeared on the left temple of Dobson last round, Hackett targeting that area. Throughout the fight Hackett has taken some big shots but never looked buzzed. He is on cruise control right now, pushing the pace and winning rounds.

Jalil Hackett vs Peter Dobson: Round 5

This is the first time Hackett has been past round four. He looked like he was closing in on a stoppage last round. Dobson doesn't look great after that last round, backing up now and not responding with many shots. Hackett continues to pressure, but as round goes on Dobson begins to respond with more shots. All Hackett that round.

Jalil Hackett vs Peter Dobson: Round 4

Dobson doing good work to Hackett's body on the inside. Midway through the round Hackett lands a handful of big shots and Dobson looks shaken up. Dobson not responding with nearly as many power punches as previous rounds, Hackett really putting it on Dobson right now. Best round of the fight so far for Hackett.

Jalil Hackett vs Peter Dobson: Round 3

Hackett outlanding Dobson 32-18 on power shots through two. Both guys going throwing big shots when they get at close range. Hackett's activity is giving him the advantage, but Dobson looks dangerous as he lands some big shots on the inside.

Jalil Hackett vs Peter Dobson: Round 2

Hackett doing good work while pushing the pace, especially with his left. Dobson finding some success on the counter, landing an occasional big shot when Hackett opens up. Hackett winning these opening rounds off of activity, but Dobson landing some good shots himself.

Jalil Hackett vs Peter Dobson: Round 1

Hackett steps up to a 10-rounder for the first time in his career, taking on Dobson, who lost to Conor Benn earlier this year. Hackett pushing the pace to start, using his jab well and landing some nice shots. Dobson lands a few big lefts of his own. Good round for Hackett who got inside and landed some strong shots.

Skye Nicolson defeats Dyana Vargas, retains WBC title

Skye Nicolson defeated Dyana Vargas by unanimous decision, retaining the WBC featherweight title in her first defense. The three judges' scorecards were all 100-90, a clean sweep for Nicolson.

Nicolson dominated the fight from the opening bell. Vargas applied the pressure but Nicolson moved around the ring, forcing Vargas to chase her, while using her reach advantage and jab to keep Vargas at bay. As the fight went on Nicolson began unloading left hands from the southpaw stance, connecting on a few big shots. Nicolson never looked worried as she cruised to victory and improved to 11-0.

Skye Nicolson vs Dyana Vargas: Round 10

The final round and barring a knockout from Vargas, Nicolson will retain the WBC title. More of the same in round 10, Nicolson dancing around the ring hardly getting hit while connecting on her jab. Nicolson lands a nice uppercut, is smiling in the ring as the clock ticks down.

Skye Nicolson vs Dyana Vargas: Round 9

Vargas lands a nice left in the opening seconds. Nicolson has landed 65 jabs so far, has certainly been her primary weapon. Vargas keeps getting hit with big left hands on her way inside, Nicolson timing those shots well. Could very well be 9-0 after that round.

Skye Nicolson vs Dyana Vargas: Round 8

Vargas comes out blazing and lands a nice shot or two, but Nicolson moved out of danger well. Vargas hasn't been able to stop Nicolson's movement or catch her. Vargas landed a few nice shots that round, but still got tagged up by Nicolson.

Skye Nicolson vs Dyana Vargas: Round 7

Nicolson has won every round so far, she's not a big puncher but this looks like a fight she could potentially get a stoppage. Nicolson continues to jab well and has started landing some big left hands as well.

Skye Nicolson vs Dyana Vargas: Round 6

Nicolson has a 56-14 connect advantage through five rounds. Nicolson starting to throw and land a lot more with her left hand. Vargas being outclassed so far.

Skye Nicolson vs Dyana Vargas: Round 5

Nicolson continues to roll with the same formula as the previous four rounds and it's working. Vargas continues to pressure but is getting tagged on the way in. Nicolson lands a huge overhand left in the final 15 seconds, clearly buzzing Vargas.

Skye Nicolson vs Dyana Vargas: Round 4

The southpaw Nicolson lands a nice straight left to open the round. She's been primarily working with her lead hand and jab so far. Vargas keeps pressuring but still struggling to get to Nicolson, who's done effective work so far.

Skye Nicolson vs Dyana Vargas: Round 3

Nicolson continues to jab and move, not much offensive output so far, but enough to be winning the fight. She's landing at a high rate, just not throwing a ton of shots. Vargas unable to get inside or cut off the ring through three.

Skye Nicolson vs Dyana Vargas: Round 2

Nicolson using her feet well, moving all around to avoid a pressuring Vargas. Nicolson continuing to paw away with the jab, finding success. Vargas got inside a few times and unleashed a flurry of shots, but none that fazed Nicolson.

Skye Nicolson vs Dyana Vargas: Round 1

This is Nicolson's first title defense after winning the vacant WBC belt in April. Nicolson controlling the spacing in that round. Vargas applied the pressure but Nicolson used her reach and jab to maintain the distance.

How to watch Jaron Ennis vs David Avanesyan fight?

The Jaron Ennis vs. David Avanesyan welterweight world title fight on July 13 will be broadcasted on DAZN, free for all subscribers. This will be Ennis' first DAZN fight with Matchroom Boxing, after signing a deal with the promotional outfit in April.

• How to watch: DAZN

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Jaron Ennis vs David Avanesyan fight start time, ring walks

The Jaron Ennis vs. David Avanesyan fight card will begin at 7 p.m. (CT), with the main event ring walks expected at approximately 10 p.m. (CT).

• Fight card start: 7 p.m. CT
• Ennis vs. Avanesyan ring walks: approx. 10 p.m. CT

Jaron Ennis vs David Avanesyan fight location

Jaron Ennis will defend his IBF welterweight world title for the first time against David Avanesyan at Wells Fargo Center in Ennis' hometown of Philadelphia. It will be the first boxing event held at the arena and Ennis' first in Philadelphia since 2018.

• Location: Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, PA

Jaron Ennis vs David Avanesyan fight card

The Jaron Ennis vs. David Avanesyan undercard features Skye Nicolson in her first featherweight title defense along with a handful of rising young prospects including D.C.'s Jalil Hackett.

• Main event: Jaron Ennis (31-0) vs. David Avanesyan (30-4-1); IBF welterweight title
• Jalil Hackett (8-0) vs. Peter Dobson (16-1)
• Skye Nicolson (10-0) vs. Dyana Vargas (19-1); WBC featherweight title
• Khalil Coe (8-0-1) vs. Manuel Gallegos (20-2-1)

Jaron Ennis vs David Avanesyan fight prediction

This will be Ennis' first fight with Matchroom Boxing and being a homecoming fight, he's well positioned to dominate. Avanesyan has experience taking on some of the best fighters in the world, but he's always come up short against elite-level competition, a trend which should continue on Saturday.

Ennis is one of the most skilled fighters in the sport and despite a year out of the ring, we don't see ring rust being a factor in this one. Ennis should pick Avanesyan apart with his lightning quick hands and fear-inducing power, proving the oddsmakers right with a stoppage in the first half of the fight.

Avanesyan will struggle to get to Ennis, who holds a six-inch reach advantage, and all the while Ennis will be landing at will, until either Avanesyan goes down for the count or the referee is forced to step in and stop the bout.

Prediction: Ennis def. Avanesyan by knockout in fifth round.

Jaron Ennis vs David Avanesyan fight odds

Jaron "Boots" Ennis is a -2500 favorite on DraftKings, while David Avanesyan is +1200 to win the fight. The over/under on rounds is 5.5.

• Ennis by KO/TKO: -800
• Ennis by decision: +550
• Avanesyan by KO/TKO: +1800
• Avanesyan by decision: +3000

Odds via DraftKings, as of July 12

Jaron Ennis fight record

Jaron Ennis is 31-0 with 28 wins by knockout.

Ennis is the IBF welterweight world champion, having been elevated from interim champion in 2023, following former undisputed champion Terence Crawford being stripped of the title.

Ennis became interim IBF champion in January 2023 with a shutout unanimous decision win over Karen Chukhadzhian. He followed that win up with an impressive tenth round knockout of highly ranked contender Roiman Villa last July.

Ennis is ranked No. 3 at welterweight by The Ring and ESPN, although the top two fighters, Crawford and Spence, are expected to campaign at junior middleweight from here on out.

David Avanesyan fight record

David Avanesyan is 30-4-1 with 18 knockout wins.

Avanesyan is a former WBA 'Regular' welterweight champion and has experience fighting some of the biggest and best around the welterweight division. His signature win came in 2016 when he defeated former world champion Shane Mosley in his first ever fight stateside.

In December 2022, Avanesyan challenged former undisputed welterweight champion Terence Crawford and suffered a sixth round knockout loss. He returned in December of last year and scored a fourth round stoppage over an unknown opponent in England.

Jaron Ennis weight

Jaron Ennis weighed in at 146.4 pounds at Friday's weigh-in, while his opponent David Avanesyan weighed in at 147 pounds. The welterweight limit is 147 pounds.

Ennis is a career-long welterweight and with the IBF title freshly in hand, he looks unlikely to move up in weight anytime soon.

Jaron Ennis stats

Ennis has been one of the more electrifying fighters in the sport in recent years and his numbers show that.

Ennis' plus/minus is +13.7, good for ninth best among active boxers. Ennis is among the most accurate punchers in the sport, landing 34.4% of his shots, tenth best in boxing. He's even more efficient with his power punches, landing those shots at a 46.2% clip.

While his offense shines, Ennis is quite responsible defensively as well. His opponents average just 7.3 landed punches against him a round, while they land just 24% of power punches on Ennis.

How Jaron 'Boots' Ennis got his nickname?

Similar to fellow world champions Gervonta 'Tank' Davis or Jesse 'Bam' Rodriguez, Jaron 'Boots' Ennis is almost as well known by his nickname as he is by his legal name.

But how did the 'Boots' nickname come about? In a 2020 interview with Fansided, Ennis revealed the origins of his nickname.

“My original nickname was supposed to be ‘Boops,’" Ennis told Fansided. “I got that from my mom. Once I started going to the gym when I was little, my dad was calling my name, and everybody thought my dad was saying 'Boots,' like the shoes. So we just kept it and stuck with it.”

Harrison Campbell covers boxing for The Tennessean and high school sports for The Daily Herald. Email him at hcampbell@gannett.com and follow him on Twitter @hccamp.