Jaron Ennis may vacate IBF title, threatens Eddie Hearn, who goes on epic rant aimed at Brian Norman Jr. for avoiding ‘Boots’
The IBF has ordered Jaron Ennis to defend his title against Karen Chukhadzhian, a mandatory challenger. But Ennis' promoter, Eddie Hearn, has threatened to have his client vacate the title in protest of the sanctioning body's decision.
Hearn's main source of frustration is that 'Boots' has already faced and convincingly beaten Chukhadzhian. The Matchroom Boxing chairman is eager to schedule a fight for his client against the best possible opponent, and he doesn't believe the IBF mandatory challenger fits that bill.
Hearn also took aim at Brian Norman Jr., whom Matchroom Boxing is currently negotiating a deal with to fight Boots. However, the Norman Jr. camp is proving difficult for the promoter to work with.
During a recent interview with Matchroom Boxing, the Brit went on an epic rant aimed at Norman Jr., saying this:
"This is a really simple situation, the first offer that was made to Brian Norman was nicely over $1 million. They felt that was nowhere near. We've made two more offers, $250,000 [more] every time, to levels [of money] that Brian Norman will never see... Do you want to be great, Brian Norman? Not being funny, who is Brian Norman?!"
He continued:
"If you want the fight you would've taken the fight. Now we're in a situation where the IBF, which is absolutely ridiculous, has ordered Chukhadzhian to fight [Ennis]. Listen, the kid's good fighter. 'Boots' has already beaten him. The IBF have got to stop this, they're ruining boxing... We may vacate the belt. And we may do something different."
Watch Eddie Hearn discuss Jaron Ennis' possible opponents below (6:32):
Jaron Ennis declared unbeatable at welterweight by Shakur Stevenson
Shakur Stevenson, who recently signed a deal with Eddie Hearn's Matchroom Boxing promotion, regards Jaron Ennis as the best boxer in the welterweight division.
With Terence Crawford, longtime friend and teammate of Stevenson, having been crowned the undisputed welterweight champion last year, there were some who pushed for Crawford vs. Ennis to happen.
Crawford's move to super welterweight has ruled out the bout taking place, for now at least, with 'Boots' recently facing David Avanesyan. Ennis won after his opponent retired in the corner after Round 5.
Stevenson, who attended Ennis' recent win, was interviewed by Fight Hub TV afterwards and said this:
"I think 'Boots' is the future of boxing... [Ennis] will be undisputed at 147 [pounds], yeah. Nobody at 147 can beat [Ennis]."
Watch Shakur Stevenson discuss Jaron Ennis below (0:30):