BY BOXING HIT STAFF-
The highly anticipated unification fight between IBF welterweight champion Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis and WBO champ Brian Norman Jr is now off the table. Promoter Eddie Hearn has announced that Ennis will either defend his title against Karen Chukhadzhian or vacate and move up to the 154-pound weight class. This news has left many fans disappointed as they were eagerly looking forward to seeing these two champions face off in the ring.
Fans have expressed a desire to see Ennis vacate his IBF title and move up to the 154-pound division to challenge elite fighters such as Terence Crawford, Vergil Ortiz Jr, Tim Tszyu, Serhii Bohachuk, and Israil Madrimov. However, Ennis appears to be hesitant about taking on these risky opponents, opting instead to continue dominating the welterweight division. This reluctance to step up and face tougher competition has raised questions about Ennis’ willingness to test himself against the best in the sport.
On the other hand, WBO champion Brian Norman Jr has decided to defend his title against #7-ranked IBF contender Derrieck Cuevas. Norman Jr turned down a $1.5 million offer from Hearn to fight Ennis, a decision that could be seen as either smart or foolish. By choosing to defend his title and potentially earn more in the long run, Norman Jr may have made a wise choice. However, if Hearn had increased the offer to $2 million or more, he might have been able to secure the unification fight.
With the unification fight no longer on the table, Ennis is considering a move up to the 154-pound division to face new challenges. Promoter Eddie Hearn has mentioned potential matchups with fighters like Vergil Ortiz, Israil Madrimov, and Terence Crawford. However, it remains to be seen whether Ennis will willingly give up his IBF title to take on the dangerous competition at 154. Competing in a new weight class would present uncertainties and challenges for Ennis, who currently reigns as the big fish in the welterweight division.
The cancellation of the unification fight between Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis and Brian Norman Jr has disappointed fans and raised questions about the future of both champions. While Ennis ponders a move to the 154-pound division, Norman Jr remains focused on defending his title and securing his financial future. The boxing world eagerly awaits to see how these two talented fighters will navigate their respective paths in the sport.
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