Right now the first weigh-in of the day begins! This one will feature undefeated world champion Jaron "Boots" Ennis who faces David Avanesyan at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This 12-round main event will have the IBF welterweight title on the line.
Ennis expressed confidence in his preparation and his ability to adapt to different styles.
"The opponent switch doesn’t really mean anything to me, we have southpaws and orthodox in camp, pressure fighters, boxers, we do everything. We’re standing on business. I’m not going to go in there looking for the stoppage, but I’m going to have my fun, put on a show, but I’ll let the knockout come to me."
The atmosphere in Philadelphia is expected to be electric, with Ennis promising a memorable performance.
"It’s going to be turned up in here. Fireworks. It’s going to be lit up and I’m excited," he said. "You are going to see a beautiful show and I’m going to show the world and the 147 lbs division that I am the best."
David Avanesyan will be making his third attempt to become a world champion. The 35-year-old Armenian challenger previously faced Terence Crawford for the WBO welterweight title in December 2022, but was stopped in the sixth round. In February 2017, Avanesyan challenged Lamont Peterson for the WBA welterweight title but lost by unanimous decision.
"I believe why I am here, God has given me the chance. I know he’s a good fighter, but I’m happy that he is. I only want to fight good fighters, that’s why I am here. I’ve fought Crawford, but that’s history. People that know boxing, know me. I’ve had many big fights, this is another good fight and a great chance for me, and I will give everything."
Watch the weigh-in live here: Watch
The second weigh-in, which starts at 4 pm ET, features undefeated unified middleweight champion Janibek Alimkhanuly who is set to defend his WBO and IBF titles tomorrow against unbeaten contender Andrei Mikhailovich at the Pearl Concert Theater at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.
At the final pre-fight press conference, both fighters shared their thoughts on the upcoming 12-round main event and faced off for the cameras.
"The reason I’m here is to fight for all four titles. It doesn’t matter if I’m going to defend one title or two titles. I’m looking to get and defend all four titles."
Alimkhanuly praised Mikhailovich for accepting the challenge, noting that many other champions had declined to fight him.
"He did step up. Of course, he is undefeated. He is young. He is very hungry. And he’s bringing everything on Saturday night."
New Zealand-based Andrei Mikhailovich is making his first attempt to claim a championship title. The 26-year-old shared his personal journey from Russia, where he and his twin brother were adopted from an orphanage during the economic turmoil following the collapse of the Soviet Union.
"I didn’t give up on myself, and I fought the fight of life," Mikhailovich said, reflecting on his resilience and passion for boxing.
Watch the weigh-in live here: Watch
Image Credit: Matchroom Boxing