Eddie Hearn is pushing hard to secure a welterweight unification fight for Jaron Ennis by the end of April, targeting either Eimantas Stanionis or Mario Barrios. Ennis, 27, recently turned down a lucrative offer to face Vergil Ortiz Jr at 154. Now, Hearn is under pressure to line up a comparable challenge to elevate Ennis’ profile and deliver real career momentum.
Ennis, who’s the IBF titleholder, found himself in a less appealing rematch with Karen Chukhadzhian in November. That’s why Hearn is prioritizing a unification match - hoping to entice either WBC champ Barrios or WBA titleholder Stanionis. "He’s going to fight in March or April," Hearn told BoxingScene, mentioning potential venues like Philadelphia, Atlantic City, or Atlanta.
Watch Ennis vs. Chukhadzhian 2 highlights: Watch
Both Barrios and Stanionis present compelling tests for Ennis. Barrios might be busy if he goes after Conor Benn, but discussions with PBC for Stanionis have been productive. Hearn noted that some potential opponents could see Ennis as more beatable after his so-so performance in November. "Maybe they look at that last fight and think, ‘We can beat him,’" he said.
Whatever the case, Ennis wants big action soon, and Hearn intends to make good on his promise of a unification. "We turned down opportunities for Jaron based on us delivering a unification fight," Hearn confirmed. "That’s what he wants, and that’s the pressure we’re under."
Learn more about Jaron Ennis and all his previous opponents here.
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