By: Sean Crose
“July 13 is going to get ugly,” IBF welterweight fighter Jaron “Boots” Ennis posted on social media Friday. Indeed, on that day, the uber-talented Ennis will enter the ring for the first time in nearly a year. The fact that Ennis will face challenger Cody Crowley on his hometown card of Philly that night certainly makes things more interesting for the 31-0 world title shot. “I am very excited to be returning to my hometown,” Ennis stated in a Matchroom Boxing press release, “especially being the first to compete at the Wells Fargo Center, the largest arena in Philly.”
Needless to say, Ennis was eager to impress. “I can’t wait to show off,” he added, “and put on a beautiful, dominating, crushing performance in front of my family, friends and supporters while protecting and upholding my reputation. its IBF World Brand in a spectacular way. I’m ready to step on anyone who gets in my way!”
For Canada’s 22-0 Crowley, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. “Ten years ago, I went to Las Vegas with the dream of becoming a world champion, uninterrupted by the sport,” he said. “The only thing left to do is to prove to the world in the City of Brotherly Love that I am an undefeated champion, my spirit is unbeatable and I will fight for those who are too afraid scared to fight.” However, Crowley made it clear that he was not only interested in Ennis.
“I will be the greatest in the world for my father,” said the challenger, “whom I love and miss so much, my homeland Canada and for world peace, so that others do not have to endure the same suffering. There’s nothing anyone can do to break me. There’s nothing I’m not ready for. This next chapter has already been written.”
Ringmaster Eddie Hearn, who is promoting the fight, is quick to point out that he sees Ennis as the future of American boxing. Hearn said: “I’m delighted to be able to defend home for Boots. “Jaron is the next American boxing star and sports stars with all the tools he has will be noticed in their own cities.” Hearn went on to say he wants Ennis to continue fighting in Philadelphia.
“This is just the beginning for Jaron in Philadelphia,” he said, “a town that absolutely loves their sport, and in Jaron, they can boast that their hometown hero is the best in business areas. July 13 is going to be an epic night – we can’t wait to return to Philadelphia for the first of many epic nights with Boots.”
