Dangerous welterweight Jaron “Boots” Ennis has vowed to make a statement when he defends his IBF interim-title against all-action contender Roiman Villa.
The fight will headline a Showtime card on Saturday, July 8, from Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J..
Ennis (30-0, 27 KOs) was in action back in January, when he showed his ability to go the twelve round distance for the first time as he shut out Karen Chukhadzhian on his way to a unanimous decision.
The Philadelphia fighter wants to send another message to the welterweight division with a dramatic win against Villa.
“I’m excited to be fighting in the main event and I can’t wait to get in the ring,” said Ennis. “I know Villa is a straightforward fighter and that’s tailor-made for me. I’m going to win because I’ve been putting in the work, day in and day out. All my hard work will show on fight night. I’m ready to shine and make a big statement on July 8. My time is now!”
A native of Rosario, Venezuela, Villa (26-1, 24 KOs) delivered a big upset in January when he secured a majority decision victory over the previously undefeated top contender Rashidi Ellis.
With the contest on the table in the twelfth round, Villa broke through as he dropped Ellis twice to make the difference on the scorecards. The 30-year-old made his U.S. debut last September as he dropped the previously unbeaten Janelson Bocachica on his way to a unanimous decision.
He feels confident in his ability to pull off another big upset next month.
“I’m very thankful to my team for this life-changing opportunity,” said Villa. “Rashidi Ellis underestimated me before our last fight, so I knew I was going to win and go on to face Ennis. In order to be the best, you have to fight the best fighters. On July 8, I’m going to score another upset and ruin another undefeated record.”