According to a report, the upcoming homecoming event for Jaron Ennis in Philadelphia on July 13 requires a replacement opponent.
Ennis, the reigning IBF welterweight champion, is nearing his ring comeback in less than six weeks. His scheduled opponent was supposed to be Cody Crowley, the mandatory challenger. Unfortunately, ESPN has recently disclosed that Crowley is unable to participate due to failing a pre-fight eye exam. This is particularly disappointing for the Canadian boxer, who underwent emergency double eye surgery last year.
Ennis’s promotional team, Matchroom, is currently in a race to discover a suitable replacement for his first defense of the IBF welterweight world title at Wells Fargo Centre.
In the early hours of this morning (UK time), Ennis posted the following on X/Twitter in response to the news.
Regardless of whether it’s Cody or not, I will still be facing a tough opponent on July 13, as initially planned! No need to worry!
— Boots (@JaronEnnis) June 5, 2024
Matchroom and Eddie Hearn have yet to comment and there was no response from the latter when Boxing News reached out to him earlier today (June 5). However, yesterday they did reveal the undercard for the July 13 event which includes a first world title defence for WBC Female featherweight champion Skye Nicolson against Dyana Vargas. While Hearn’s newest American signing Jalil Major Hackett faces Peter Dobson in a 10-round welterweight contest.
