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The WBA has elevated Jaron Ennis to a super champion at welterweight and ordered him to defend his belt against Shakhram Giyasov.
Ennis secured the biggest victory of his career when he knocked out Eimantas Stanionis to unify the welterweight division. He became the IBF, WBA and Ring Magazine Champion, taking his record to 34-0. Now, he is two belts away from becoming the Undisputed Welterweight Champion. He would be the second person after Terence Crawford, who achieved that feat by stopping Errol Spence Jr. in 2023. However, there are now some additional hurdles in the way.
Boots had already been granted permission to face Stanionis, with the winner facing Giyasov. Ennis has 120 days from April 12 to defend his belt. Giyasov is unlikely to give up his shot since world title opportunities do not come about frequently. Eddie Hearn is likely to push for another unification against either Brian Norman Jr., who holds the WBO belt, or Mario Barrios, who is the WBC Champion.
Ennis’ Future
Reports indicated that Norman Jr. was previously in talks over a fight. However, it is alleged that Norman Jr.’s team wanted too much money, as the fight never happened. Hearn urged Norman Jr. to take a risk by making this fight, saying there was enough money in the pot.
“I would have felt like we hadn’t done our job if he moved up without unifying the division. I hope that the other champions have ambition. Brian Norman’s a great fighter. Don’t we want to make great fights for the sport? Watch what [Ennis] does over the next few years. He’s going through all the divisions,” Hearn stated
Alternatively, a fight against Barrios would also prove huge. Barrios has already tasted defeat twice in his career, coming up short against Gervonta Davis at 140 pounds. He also lost to Keith Thurman in a welterweight fight when One Time was no longer considered at the peak of his career. Barrios is seen as the weaker of the two champions at the weight class. Ennis has reportedly dominated Norman Jr. already, making it pragmatic to make a unification fight. However, it depends on whether Ennis would be able to secure that as he has mandatory obligations.
Ennis Vs. Giyasov
“Notably, Giyasov previously stepped aside to allow a unification bout between Ennis and Eimantas Stanionis, despite being next in line for a title shot. Per WBA rules, Ennis must face Giyasov within 120 days of his April 12 victory over Stanionis.
“According to WBA Rule C.17: “In exceptional circumstances, the Championships Committee and the President may designate a Champion as a Super Champion; and may establish criteria for a Super Championship,” the sanctioning body stated. “The Committee and President may determine conditions and requirements of defenses and retention of such title.
“Acting within its regulatory authority, the WBA has elevated Ennis to Super Champion status, while Garcia and Romero will battle for the vacant WBA World Welterweight Championship – adding even more heat to an already explosive 147-pound division,” WBA said
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