On July 31st, the IBF ordered its welterweight champion Jaron "Boots" Ennis (pictured) to begin negotiations for a mandatory title defense against IBF #1 ranked Karen Chukhadzhian. The fight would be a rematch. On August 16th, the IBF received a written certification from Christian Morales on behalf of Chukhadzhian indicating that he had elected to forego negotiations and proceed to an immediate purse bid , which he is entitled to do under IBF rules. The IBF has therefore scheduled a purse bid for Tuesday, September 3rd. In January 2023, Ennis cruised to a unanimous decision over Chukhadzhian to earn the vacant IBF interim welterweight title. Ennis was extended to the full twelve-round distance for the first time in his career, but prevailed handily by three score of 120-108. “I learned to just take my time and to not rush anything,” said Ennis afterwards. “I’m glad I went twelve rounds. It felt great. I felt I was in the best shape. I just needed to throw a little more punches. I should have got him out of there.”

 

Since then, Chukhadzhian has won three straight to claim IBF mandatory contender status. The last two wins-- against Harry Scarff and Pietro Rosetti-- were quality wins.

 

Ennis has only fought twice since then, wins over Roiman Villa and David Avanesyan, but has ascended from interim champion to full IBF champion after Terence Crawford moved up in weight.