WBA world champion Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis faces the possibility of being stripped of his title if he does not agree to face mandatory challenger Shakhram Giyasov soon.
Ennis, 27, recently added the WBA black and gold belt to his collection, defending his IBF title simultaneously, with a dominant sixth-round stoppage win against Eimantas Stanionis last month.
His performance was described as a masterful and clinical demolition, as he thoroughly outpointed and stopped his tough opponent in a largely one-sided contest.
While his ultimate ambition remains to become the undisputed champion at 147lbs, it appears unlikely he will face either of the other current champions in his next bout.
For instance, WBC titlist Mario Barrios is scheduled for a potentially controversial fight against Manny Pacquiao – the legendary eight-division champion returning at age 46 – on July 19.
Meanwhile, WBO champion Brian Norman Jr. is set to headline a card in Tokyo, Japan, a month earlier, facing top contender Jin Sasaki.
However, a potential matchup for Ennis (34-0, 30 KOs) with Teofimo Lopez, the WBO super-lightweight champion who has expressed interest in moving up, seems to be under consideration.
Crucially, pursuing a fight with Lopez would most likely result in ‘Boots’ losing his WBA strap, as mandatory challenger Giyasov has been patiently waiting for his opportunity.
The 31-year-old Giyasov previously permitted Ennis to fight Stanionis, based on the understanding that his mandatory title shot would follow shortly after.
Therefore, unless an agreement can be reached between both camps – potentially involving a step-aside payment – it seems probable that the undefeated Uzbek fighter will get his world title challenge in the near future.
“I think [the WBA would allow Ennis-Lopez] only Team Giyasov agreed for it to happen,” stated Frank Smith, CEO of Matchroom Boxing, who represents both Ennis and Giyasov.
“That’s going to be for Shakhram to decide; he’s been very open about his dream to fight for the world title.
“I’m speaking to Vadim [Kornilov], who manages Shakhram, later tonight [yesterday], so we’ll see how things play out over the next few days.
“We obviously represent Shakhram as well, so we have to do the best we can for all our fighters.”
