ONE of the most revered talents in world boxing returns after a 12-month layoff with hometown advantage to contest his first ever world title fight on Saturday night determined to start realising his true potential.

Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis is 27 years old and already 31 fights unbeaten in a boxing career that includes 28 of those victories by knockout.

But whether it’s bad management, bad promotion or simply bad luck, he’s skirted around the upper echelons of the welterweight division since turning pro in 2016.

Finally, a world title will be on the line when he steps through the ropes at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, against an opponent who may bring a little more than he’s expecting.

Russian David Avanesyan, who trains out of Newark in the UK, is no stranger to big fights and well conversant with being an underdog on away soil.

His 30-4-1 run features an impressive stint as European champion, whilst he’s already fought twice for world titles in the US, albeit unsuccessfully.

Avanesyan retired Hall of Famer Shane Mosley in 2016, picked up back-to-back stoppage wins over serious Spaniard Kerman Lejarranga in 2019 and KO’d the unbeaten rise of Josh Kelly in 2021, all as the away fighter.

But whilst he represents a step up for Ennis, the American certainly represents a step back to true world level for the challenger.

Despite being handed his world title belt after former welterweight maestro – and Avanesyan destroyer – Terence Crawford moved up a division, Ennis has looked like a king without a crown for some time.

An unorthodox switch-hitter that punches through his opponents, he’s razor sharp, deadly accurate and incredibly exciting.

Unlike another American star Shakur Stevenson, whose achievements by far outweigh his performances, Ennis is a finisher. A made-for-TV talent that’s likely been stifled by a blockade above him.

Now that both Crawford and Errol Spence have dissipated, the belts have been scattered and the gauntlet now cast to see which 147lb’er can bring them all back together.

At 35, Avanesyan knows this will be his last chance at world honours, all the motivation he needs to be at his rugged and gritty best. He throws heavy punches in bunches and sets a pace few can live with.

Any other fighter would be a total write off facing this level of test with just four weeks notice, but Avanesyan is experienced enough to know opportunities come thick and fast when an undisputed king exits stage left. He’s stayed in shape.

Of course, Ennis is still eight years younger, two inches taller and six inches longer (in reach). He’s also been the busier fighter over the last 18 months, despite being AWOL for the last 12.

If Avanesyan can turn this into a fight by surviving the mental and physical torture of being on the receiving end of one of the finest stylists in boxing and exhaust Ennis via his output, then a shock could still be on the cards.

But more likely is a statement performance from the champion, who will have one-upping Crawford’s sixth round knockout of the challenger on his mind in front of all of his friends and family.

TIP: Ennis by TKO 7-9

BOXING | FULL CARD

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