‘Boots’ and ‘Bam’ Back for Philly Double-Header
Two of boxing’s most exciting world champions will star in a massive double-header this weekend, as Jaron Ennis and Jesse Rodriguez defend their current titles in Philadelphia.
Philly-native ‘Boots’ will aim to successfully retain his welterweight crown on another homecoming event in a rematch against mandatory challenger Karen Chukhadzhian.
Meanwhile, rising pound-for-pound star and reigning super-flyweight champion, ‘Bam’, will make the latest defence of his belts in a clash with Mexican contender Pedro Guevara in the co-feature.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of a massive Philly event, with our full Boots and Bam fight night preview.
Bam and Boots Fight Night Details
Main Event: Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis vs Karen Chukhadzhian (IBF Welterweight Title)
Co-Feature: Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez vs Pedro Guevara (WBC & The Ring Super-Flyweight Titles)
Date: Saturday, November 9th
Main Event Time: Approx. 6pm ET
Live On: DAZN
Location: Philadelphia, USA
Undercard:
Raymond Ford vs. Orlando Gonzalez
Khalil Coe vs. Manuel Gallegos
Austin Williams vs. Gian Garrido
Zaquin Moses vs. Michael Ruiz
Ernesto Mercado vs. Jesus Saracho
Ismail Muhammad vs. Nelson Morales
Dennis Thompson vs. Edgar Ortiz Jr
Ennis vs Chukhadzhian Fight Preview
Initially, Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn had hoped to land a massive welterweight unification fight for Ennis next.
But a meeting with Brian Norman Jr. was unable to be set-up, much to their frustration, and ‘Boots’ was instead ordered to take on Chukhadzhian once again in a mandatory title defence.
This is despite Ennis having completely dominated the Ukrainian in their first one-sided match-up back in January of last year, when he rallied to a shutout unanimous decision victory in Washington.
Now, the unbeaten welterweight champion wants to finish the job properly with a devastating knockout success and put on a show on his homecoming return to Philadelphia, before moving on towards his goal of becoming undisputed division ruler.
"I’m going to put on a beautiful show by beating him up, breaking him down, having my fun, and getting my knockout at the end of the night,” Ennis stated in the rematch build-up
“It’s going to be fireworks. I saw a lot of things that I am going to apply in this fight to show that I am that guy and show the world why I am the best.”
With a long-mooted showdown against pound-for-pound king, Terence Crawford, now unlikely as ‘Bud’ tracks down a Canelo Alvarez legacy fight instead, a win here for ‘Boots’ could lead to unifications against other 147 pounds title holders Eimantas Stanionis, Mario Barrios and Norman Jr in 2025.
“I’m not looking past him [Chukhadzhian], but after I do my thing and win in spectacular fashion, I want the rest of the welterweight belts, and to stay busy,” added Ennis, with the undisputed crown in his sights.
Rodriguez vs Guevara Fight Preview
Already on a career trajectory towards greatness in the lower divisions, Rodriguez looks to shine once again alongside homecoming hero Ennis on this massive Philly double-header.
‘Bam’ will make the latest defence of his super-flyweight titles in a clash with dangerous Mexican challenger Guevara after building up one of the most impressive resumes in the sport today.
At just 24 years of age, the undefeated Robert Garcia-trained star is on the ascent to pound-for-pound supremacy and holds a host of potential super-fights across 2025 with another showcase victory here.
“It’s a tough test and a dangerous fight because he has nothing to lose and everything to gain,” outlined a humble Rodriguez.
“I’ve taken this fight as seriously as my previous two fights against Estrada and Edwards. On November 9th, he’s going to come in really wanting to take what I have.
“But now is my time and I don’t see him beating me. I just know that my hand will be up that night.”
‘Bam’ followed up sublime performances and triumphs over Carlos Cuadras, Srisaket Sor Rungvisai and Sunny Edwards with a devastating body shot knockout success over lower weight legend, Juan Francisco Estrada, last June.
That remarkable run inside the last two-and-a-half-years has seen Rodriguez rightfully rise up to be recognised on the sport’s pound-for-pound list.
“I’m very confident, but I stay humble,” he continued. “I know that as quickly as I got to where I am today, I can lose it all in a fight.
“That’s why I work hard every day in the gym. I want to do my best to be undisputed at 115 pounds. I want to achieve what I can first at that weight and not look too far into the future,” he concluded.
Both ‘Bam’ and ‘Boots’ have potentially prosperous opportunities to maintain their rampant career rises through 2025, but first look to deal with business at hand this weekend in Philadelphia.
Header image: DAZN Boxing