Terence Crawford, Shakur Stevenson, and Others Join Philadelphia Record Attendance as Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis Knocks Out David Avanesyan in Dominant Fashion
In a night of high drama and electrifying boxing, Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis delivered a spectacular performance in front of a record-breaking crowd at Philadelphia’s Wells Fargo Center. The hometown hero defended his IBF welterweight title with a stunning fifth-round knockout of David Avanesyan, making his Matchroom Boxing debut one to remember. The bout drew an impressive 14,119 fans, the largest boxing crowd in Philadelphia in 46 years, eclipsing the Marvin Hagler vs. Bennie Briscoe fight in 1978.
Homecoming Heroics: Jaron Ennis Stuns the Hometown Crowd
From the first bell, Ennis showcased his dominance, pressuring Avanesyan with relentless aggression and precision. The fight’s climax came in the fifth round when Ennis landed a devastating counter left hook, sending Avanesyan to the canvas. Despite Avanesyan’s resilience in beating the count, ringside physicians recommended stopping the fight at the beginning of the sixth round, citing a possible broken jaw as the reason. Reporter Cross Mannix, who was present ringside, noted the severity of Avanesyan’s injury, which ultimately led to the fight’s conclusion.
Official Attendance for #EnnisAvanesyan Was 14,119, the Largest Crowd for a Fight in Philadelphia in 46 Years — Since Marvin Hagler-Benny Briscoe Drew 14,930 to the Spectrum in 1978. #Boxing @EddieHearn @JaronEnnis @MatchroomBoxing
As the news spread, social media buzzed with reactions. Terence Crawford, who had previously defeated Avanesyan in December 2022, weighed in on X (formerly Twitter), mocking Ennis and his promoter Eddie Hearn. “World-class fighter now, huh?” Crawford tweeted sarcastically, suggesting that Ennis still had much to prove before being considered in the same league.
“World-class fighter now, huh? 🤣🤣🤣 My, the double standards be crazy!!! @EddieHearn, you talk good.” — Terence Crawford (@terencecrawford) July 14, 2024
In contrast, Shakur Stevenson, Crawford’s friend and training partner, praised Ennis’ performance, highlighting his speed, power, and work in the pocket. “That nigga is the truth, gotta give it to him. He different for sure, speed, power, pocket work!” Stevenson tweeted, acknowledging Ennis’ impressive display.
“That nigga is the truth, gotta give it to him 🤝 He different for sure, speed, power, pocket work! #ChasingGreatness” — Shakur Stevenson (@ShakurStevenson) July 14, 2024
Even Andre Berto, despite recent online beef with Stevenson, applauded Ennis, describing the fight as an “old school Philly beat down.” However, Berto also noted that Ennis absorbed some significant shots during the bout.
“Old school Philly beat down 🤦🏾♂️” — Andre Berto (@AndreBerto) July 14, 2024
Fans were divided in their opinions. Some, like user Zach “The Ringer” Spencer, pointed out the holes in Ennis’ defense, suggesting that Crawford would exploit these weaknesses.
“Bud punishes Boots, too many holes in his defense.” — Zach “The Ringer” Spencer (@ZachSpencerShow) July 14, 2024
Another user, KingNicGeo_24, echoed this sentiment, stating, “He got hit a lot. If Bud [Crawford] was throwing those, it’s a different outcome.”
“He got hit a lot. If Bud [Crawford] was throwing those, it’s a different outcome.” — KingNicGeo_24 (@LAkerSC_213) July 14, 2024
Despite the mixed reactions, Ennis’ performance has undeniably placed him in the spotlight, with many now debating his readiness to face Crawford. The night’s turnout and the quality of the fight reaffirm Philadelphia’s status as a boxing hotbed and set the stage for future high-profile bouts.
