JARON Ennis will face a new opponent on July 13. Southpaw David Avanesyan (30-4-1, 18 KOs) replaced Cody Crowley, who withdrew due to persistent eye damage. Avanesyan, a former European champion, handed Josh Kelly his first professional loss of 2021. The Newark native previously broke Spaniard Kerman Lejarraga’s 27-0 record, so Ennis will need to be vigilant.
Josh Kelly learned a lot from his first professional loss to David Avanesyan in 2021 (Dave Thompson)
Boxing as a headliner at the Wells Fargo Center, ‘Boots’ (31-0, 28 KOs) is making the first defense of his recently upgraded IBF title. Former champion Terence Crawford defeated Avanesyan in six rounds at the end of 2022, so this will be a worthy measuring stick between the pair.
“Now that Crowley is officially not my opponent, I actually like Avanesyan as a better opponent,” Ennis said. “He will fight better and that will be what I want. On July 13, don’t miss this beautiful and excellent performance!
