Jaron Ennis’ homecoming is officially on the schedule, as Matchroom confirmed today that “Boots” will defend his IBF welterweight title against mandatory challenger Cody Crowley on July 13th at Philadelphia’s Wells Fargo Center.
As the Philadelphia Inquirer points out, this marks the first boxing match at Wells Fargo Center since it opened in 1996.
Ennis (31-0, 28 KO) will be both the local hero and a prohibitive favorite here. Though he’s yet to face a true elite, he’s proven virtually unstoppable in the ring, handily dismantling tough customers like Sergey Lipinets, Custio Clayton, and most recently Roiman Villa last July.
Crowley (22-0, 9 KO) is gritty and skilled, but has been done little of note since his breakout win over Kudratillo Abdukakhorov in December 2021, outclassing Josesito Lopez but struggling to a competitive majority decision over Abel Ramos.
That said, he’s an IBF mandatory and those guys don’t take kindly to dereliction of duty. Ennis can deal with Ryan Garcia or any other Big Name ™ once he’s got his obligations out of the way.
“I can’t wait to show out and put on a beautiful, dominating, crushing performance in front of my family, friends and supporters while defending and retaining my IBF world title in spectacular fashion,” Ennis said. “I’m ready to step on any and everybody that’s in my way.”