P4P STARS SET TO PUT ON A SHOW IN PHILLY
World championship boxing returns to Philadelphia this weekend as IBF World Welterweight Champion Jaron "Boots" Ennis defends his title in a rematch against Ukrainian contender Karen Chukhadzhian. Meanwhile, WBC Super-Flyweight Champion Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez will aim to become the first man to stop Pedro Guevara in the co-main event.
Before those two marquee fights, undefeated Americans Austin "Ammo" Williams and Ray Ford will look to get back on track after experiencing the first losses of their professional careers. Also featured on the undercard, Khalil Coe defends his WBC USA Light-Heavyweight Title against Manuel Gallegos.
Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez vs. Pedro Guevara – WBC World Super-Flyweight Title
At just 24, Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez has already lit up the boxing world, becoming a two-weight world champion within a span of just over 14 months. With highlight-reel knockouts and notable wins over big names like Carlos Cuadras, Srisaket Sor Rungvisai, Sunny Edwards, and most recently Juan Francisco Estrada, Rodriguez is already considered one of the best fighters in the world.
His opponent, Pedro Guevara, brings extensive experience, with 42 wins out of 47 fights and a record of knockout power. Nearly a decade ago, Guevara claimed the WBC Light-Flyweight World Title by stopping Akira Yaegashi, later continuing with two world title challenges. With the WBC "Interim" World Super-Flyweight title earned in his last fight, he has now become the mandatory challenger for Rodriguez’s title.
Interestingly, three of Guevara’s four losses came via split-decision, and one by majority decision, indicating he’s rarely outclassed. In Jesse Rodriguez, however, he faces a rare talent. While Guevara holds the edge in toughness and experience, Rodriguez has the advantage in youth and technical prowess. Expect Guevara to challenge the champion and possibly take the fight to the final bell, but it wouldn’t be surprising to witness another masterclass from the rising star, Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez.
Jaron Ennis vs. Karen Chukhadzhian – IBF World Welterweight Title
In the main event, hometown hero Jaron "Boots" Ennis will make the second defense of his IBF World Welterweight Title against Karen Chukhadzhian, the man he defeated for the interim version of the belt in January of last year.
Ennis has been one of the most avoided fighters in the sport, boasting a perfect record of 32 wins, including 29 KOs. While his resume doesn’t yet match that of Terence Crawford, Ennis has dispatched every opponent in decisive fashion. Although Ennis’s knockout record is impressive, Chukhadzhian is one of the few to take him the distance since 2017, with Ennis winning the fight by a 120-108 unanimous decision.
Since that loss, the Ukrainian has logged three wins, earning his position as the mandatory challenger for a rematch. Chukhadzhian may believe he can withstand Ennis’s power, but he’ll need to show an unprecedented level of skill to dethrone "Boots." Ennis, meanwhile, will likely go for a knockout this time, looking to improve on his previous win and to solidify his place among boxing’s elite.
With a big 2025 on the horizon, Boots Ennis will be laser-focused as he prepares for some mega fights just around the corner.