Jaron Ennis-Bam Rodriguez Championship Doubleheader Headline Huge Night of Boxing

Boots is going to the well again.

On November 9, 2024, boxing fans worldwide are in for an explosive night as two of the sport’s brightest stars, Jaron “Boots” Ennis and Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez, headline a thrilling championship doubleheader at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This stacked card, broadcast live on DAZN, promises unforgettable action, featuring world title bouts and rising talent.

Hometown hero Jaron “Boots” Ennis (32-0, 29 KOs) will make his second defense of the IBF Welterweight Championship against Ukraine’s Karen Chukhadzhian (24-2, 13 KOs), marking Ennis’ second straight headlining event in Philadelphia. Ennis electrified his hometown crowd in July when he forced David Avanesyan to retire after five rounds in his first defense of the IBF title, breaking a four-decade attendance record for boxing events in Philadelphia.

This upcoming clash against Chukhadzhian comes after Ennis was unable to secure a unification bout with WBO champion Brian Norman Jr. Negotiations between the two camps broke down despite both fighters and their teams expressing eagerness to make the fight happen. According to Norman’s father and trainer, Brian Norman Sr., the primary sticking point was the purse for his son, which was reportedly close to being agreed upon but ultimately fell short.

Ennis, who has his eyes set on becoming the undisputed welterweight champion, remains focused on defending his belt. Chukhadzhian, already a familiar foe, faced Ennis in January 2023 in Washington, D.C. but has since bounced back with two wins to earn another shot at the title. Chukhadzhian’s promoter P2M Box Promotions won the purse bid, but a deal struck by Matchroom Boxing’s Eddie Hearn kept the fight on American soil, allowing Ennis to defend his title in front of a passionate hometown crowd once more.

“I’m excited to be back headlining in my city again,” Ennis said. “It’s time to have some fun, keep crushing whoever is in front of me, and put on a dominant performance for my family, friends, and supporters.”

Chukhadzhian is equally determined. “Champ, get ready for the battle, it will be hot!” he declared.

On the same card, two-weight world champion Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez (20-0, 13 KOs) will defend his WBC Super Flyweight title against the experienced Mexican Pedro Guevara (42-4-1, 22 KOs). Rodriguez has rapidly risen in the pound-for-pound rankings, following his stunning knockout of Juan Francisco Estrada in June, and his reputation continues to grow after forcing Sunny Edwards to retire after nine rounds in a flyweight unification bout in December.

Rodriguez, now a dominant force in the lower weight classes, will face a determined Guevara, a former WBC Junior Flyweight champion who has earned another shot at glory after claiming the interim WBC World Super Flyweight title with a victory over Andrew Moloney in Australia.

“My belts aren’t going anywhere,” Rodriguez warned. Guevara, meanwhile, promised to bring a war to Philadelphia, vowing, “I am going with everything and for everything, Viva Mexico and Viva Mazatlan, Sinaloa.”

Alongside the main events, rising talent will be showcased. Raymond Ford (15-1-1, 8 KOs) looks to bounce back after a tough split-decision loss to Nick Ball in June, as he faces Puerto Rican Orlando Gonzalez (23-2, 12 KOs) at super featherweight. The Camden native, eager to prove himself in a new weight class, has his sights set on becoming a two-weight world champion.

Another standout is Khalil “Big Steppa” Coe (9-0-1, 7 KOs), who will defend his USWBC Light Heavyweight Title against Mexican Manuel Gallegos (20-2-1, 17 KOs). Coe wowed the Philly crowd in July with a two-round demolition of Kwame Ritter, and he’s aiming to continue his rapid ascent.

Also on the card, lightweight sensation Ernesto “Tito” Mercado (16-0, 15 KOs) makes his Matchroom debut, while middleweight contender Austin “Ammo” Williams (16-1, 11 KOs) returns to action. Dennis Thompson (2-0, 1 KO), Ismail Muhammad (5-0, 3 KOs), and debutant Zaquin Moses round out the night’s action, ensuring fans will be treated to an evening of nonstop excitement.

Promoter Eddie Hearn is enthusiastic about what’s in store. “What a night we have in Philadelphia,” he said. “Boots and Bam are two of the very best, and we have a brilliant supporting cast before those two pound-for-pound stars strut their stuff. Philly’s great fight fans are in for a treat.”

With a packed card, hometown pride on the line, and world championships up for grabs, November 9 is shaping up to be a historic night for Philadelphia boxing. Tune in to DAZN and witness what promises to be an unforgettable evening of world-class action.

Full Card:
Jaron “Boots” Ennis (32-0, 29 KOs) vs. Karen Chukhadzhian (24-2, 13 KOs)

Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez (20-0, 13 KOs) vs. Pedro Guevara (42-4-1, 22 KOs)

Raymond Ford (15-1-1, 8 KOs) vs. Orlando Gonzalez (23-2, 12 KOs)

Khalil Coe (9-0-1, 7 KOs) vs. Manuel Gallegos (20-2-1, 17 KOs)

Ernesto “Tito” Mercado (16-0, 15 KOs) vs. TBA

Austin “Ammo” Williams (16-1, 11 KOs) vs. TBA

Zaquin Moses (0-0) vs. TBA

Dennis Thompson (2-0, 1 KO) vs. TBA

Ismail Muhammad (5-0, 3 KOs) vs. TBA

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