Jaron Ennis, Philadelphia's only current boxing champion, signed with one of the sports industry's largest brokers on Wednesday to return to the ring this summer after a nearly 12-month layoff.
Ennis (31-0, 28 knockouts) has signed a “multi-fight promotion agreement” with Matchroom Boxing, the UK-based organization owned by Eddie Hearn and which also promotes heavyweight Anthony Joshua. is. The 26-year-old from Mount Airy hasn't played in a game since last July. He won the IBF interim welterweight title in January 2023, but his interim label was stripped in November after Terrence Crawford refused to make a mandatory title defense against Ennis.
Ennis reached a settlement with his former promoter last month, and the fighter became a free agent. The move should help Ennis get bigger matches, as Matchroom has a TV deal with DAZN and regularly hosts feature events. Things could get complicated since many of the 147-pound premium fighters are signed to Premier Boxing Champions, which is managed by Al Haymon.
» Read more: IBF strips Terrence Crawford of welterweight title, Philadelphia boxer Jaron Ennis becomes world champion
“We are excited about our partnership with Eddie Hearn, Matchroom and DAZN,” Ennis said. “I can't wait to continue making my mark and becoming the undisputed world champion. I've been away from the ring for a year, but I'm excited to be back, entertaining fans and putting on clinics.” I can't wait to do what I do best. A huge match is on the horizon for me and I'm ready to make it happen.”
“I have watched this young man for years and always believed he was going to be a pound-for-pound great. There's no question about it,” Hearn said. “Winning the race to sign Jaron is a massive coup for Matchroom Boxing and DAZN.
“Holding the IBF title in one of boxing's most glamorous divisions puts Jaron front and center in the sport's biggest fights, and we intend to deliver for him. Jaron has everything it takes to make a name for himself both in the sports world and in the sports hotbed of his hometown of Philadelphia, and we are dedicated to developing him there. Fight fans will be excited about his return in the summer as we look to chase down the biggest fights that will move us up the four-pound list.”
