Unified welterweight champion Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis faces the potential loss of his WBA world title belt if he fails to fight mandatory challenger Shakhram Giyasov in his next bout.
The 27-year-old fighter recently added the WBA strap to his collection – while also successfully defending his IBF title – with an impressive sixth-round knockout victory over Eimantas Stanionis last month.
During that performance, ‘Boots’ demonstrated a high level of skill and efficiency, decisively defeating his opponent in what was largely a one-sided contest.
While his ultimate ambition remains becoming the undisputed king of the 147-pound division, it seems unlikely that the American will face either of the other welterweight champions in his immediate future.
WBC titleholder Mario Barrios, for instance, is reportedly preparing for an unexpected fight against boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, who is returning at the age of 46, scheduled for July 19.
Meanwhile, WBO champion Brian Norman Jr. is set to compete against top contender Jin Sasaki a month earlier, headlining an event in Tokyo, Japan.
For Ennis, who boasts an undefeated record of 34-0 with 30 knockouts, a potential matchup against Teofimo Lopez appears to be a possibility, especially as the WBO super-lightweight champion has expressed interest in moving up to the welterweight division.
However, pursuing a fight with Lopez would more than likely result in Ennis being stripped of his WBA belt, as the leading contender Giyasov has patiently been awaiting his mandatory opportunity.
The 31-year-old Giyasov previously allowed Ennis to proceed with the Stanionis fight, with the clear understanding that his overdue mandatory shot would follow shortly after.
Consequently, unless both fighters` teams can reach an agreement, potentially involving a step-aside payment for Giyasov, it appears likely that the undefeated Uzbek fighter will get his world title challenge in the near future.
“I think [the WBA would allow Ennis-Lopez] only Team Giyasov agreed for it to happen,” Matchroom Boxing CEO Frank Smith, who represents both Ennis and Giyasov, stated.
“That’s going to be for Shakhram to decide; he’s been very open about his dream to fight for the world title.”
“I’m speaking to Vadim [Kornilov], who manages Shakhram, soon, so we’ll see how things play out over the next few days.”
“We obviously represent Shakhram as well, so we have to do the best we can for all our fighters.”
