Philadelphia’s Jaron Ennis will defend interim IBF welterweight title in Atlantic City on July 8
Ennis will face heavy puncher Roiman Villa (26-1, 24 KOs) of Colombia in a 12-rounder.
Jaron Ennis’ next fight won’t be a world-title shot, but it will be in his backyard as the Philadelphia boxer will headline a Showtime card on July 8 at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.
Ennis (30-0, 27 knockouts) will defend his interim IBF welterweight title against heavy puncher Roiman Villa (26-1, 24 KOs) of Colombia in a 12-rounder. Ennis won the interim title in January, a consolation prize while he waits for a shot at the actual world title. The 25-year-old from Germantown’s title shot has been delayed by Errol Spence and Terence Crawford, who will meet on July 29 in an highly anticipated bout for all four 147-pound titles.
Tickets go on sale Monday at Ticketmaster. The telecast will include two other bouts.
Ennis’ last 19 wins came via stoppage before January’s rather dull unanimous decision over Karen Chukhadzhian. Ennis easily won all three judges’ scorecards, but the fight lacked the excitement “Boots” has become known for. Villa, a 30-year-old who will be fighting for just the third time in the U.S., likely is the biggest puncher Ennis has faced and will push the pace of the fight.
A win for Ennis won’t just keep him in line for a title shot, but could make him a world champion. Spence and Crawford’s time at 147 pounds seems limited. If so, the winner of their super fight could vacate the titles he wins in July and Ennis would become the IBF’s welterweight champion by default. In a way, Ennis can consider his night in Atlantic City a title shot.