Negotiations for a welterweight unification bout between IBF champion Jaron 'Boots' Ennis and WBO titleholder Brian Norman Jr. have unraveled due to a financial disagreement, according to trainer Derek 'Bozy' Ennis. The potential clash, originally scheduled for November in Philadelphia, fell apart after Norman Jr. declined promoter Eddie Hearn's $1.7 million offer, seeking an additional $500,000 to offset payments to his promoter Bob Arum and other expenses.
While Norman Jr. and his team showed willingness to accept the initial $1.7 million purse if the bout occurred on neutral territory in Las Vegas, Team Ennis insisted the fight must be staged in Philadelphia, their hometown. This venue dispute ultimately contributed to the fight's cancellation.
As a result, Ennis instead faced his IBF mandatory challenger Karen Chukhadzhian on November 9 at Philadelphia’s Wells Fargo Center. Despite securing a decision victory, Ennis’s performance raised questions among fans, as Chukhadzhian proved surprisingly challenging and made Ennis appear vulnerable over the 12-round contest.
In defending his position, trainer Bozy Ennis pointed out that Norman Jr. previously earned significantly less—only $100,000—in a prior bout against Giovani Santillan, suggesting that the $1.7 million offer was already generous. However, critics argue that referencing Norman Jr.'s earlier earnings is irrelevant, as those fights occurred before he held the WBO championship.
Norman Jr.'s request for a higher purse has sparked debates among boxing enthusiasts. Some fans speculate that Team Ennis might have been wary of facing an opponent known for his aggressive style, comparable to welterweight contender Vergil Ortiz Jr. While Norman Jr. remains open to future negotiations, it is clear both camps will need to bridge this financial gap if a unification fight is ever to materialize.
Ennis is coming back to the ring this week!
Image Credit: DAZN