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11:39 p.m. update Jaron Ennis is making his way to the ring, as Chukhadzhian awaits.
The lighter weights are on display Saturday night at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. Gervonta “Tank” Davis and Hector Luis Garcia top the card in a lightweight title bout, but the night will also include a welterweight title fight. Jaron Ennis and Karen Chukhadzhian face off ahead of the main event with the IBF’s interim championship on the line.
Ennis comes into the bout with a 29-0 record with one no contest. His no contest came in his last title bout, which was against Chris van Heerden for the IBO welterweight title. The December 2020 fight was stopped in the first round after van Heerden suffered a cut from an accidental head clash.
Chukhadzhian is 21-1 and is fighting for the first time since winning the IBF Inter-Continental title in July when Blake Minto retired after six rounds.
Ennis comes into the bout as a heavy favorite at DraftKings Sportsbook. He is a -3500 favorite while Chukhadzhian is a +1100 underdog. The favored fight outcome is Ennis by stoppage at -1200. An Ennis decision is +700. Chukhadzhian winning outcomes are +1800 for a stoppage and +2500 for a decision.
Jaron Ennis vs. Karen Chukhadzhian round-by-round results
Round 1: Ennis 10-9
Ennis connects with a nice right hand to start. Both fighters starting out a bit slow, getting a feel for each others styles. Chukhadzhian has avoided Ennis for now, but based on history this may not last for long.
Round 2: Ennis 10-9
Ennis dropping a few shots to the body, has Chukhadzhian on his bike. Ennis is full control and Chukhadzian not accurate, missing plenty of his jabs.
Round 3: Ennis 10-9
Ennis picking up the pace, as a few shots land on the chin of Chukhadzhian. Ennis lands a nice right hand again and the crowd anxiously awaits for an onslaught from Boots. Still somewhat conservative, his accuracy is what’s pacing Ennis in this bout.
Round 4: Ennis 10-9
Chukhadzhian survives despite being outlanded and even landed a nice left hand of his own. Ennis still looking for that signature shot. Underdog doing his best to stay in the fight.
Round 5: Ennis 10-9
Nice sharp right hand lands for Ennis. Chukhadzhian steps forward and applies some pressure, Ennis swiftly shakes his head no. Left hands land late for Ennis and this one is headed to the sixth.
Round 6: Ennis 10-9
Ennis leading with jabs, pace slowing down a bit. Chukhadzhian standing toe to toe with Ennis. Would like to see a little more explosiveness from Ennis ,maybe saving up for the second half of the fight.
Round 7: Ennis 10-9
Ennis a little more busy this round landing nice shots to the body. Chukhadzhian lands some of his own, clearing surprising plenty on this stage.
Round 8: Ennis 10-9
Boots picking up the pace, but the underdog hanging tough. A few boos and jeers from the crowd, as many predicted this one to be finished by now. Ennis needs to keep his composure as this is the first time in his career he’s fought this distance.
Round 9: Ennis 10-9
Ennis chasing Chukhadzhian down, but the underdog doing well. Boots seems a little frustrated as his shots are connecting, but has not made a big impact as of yet.
Round 10: Ennis 10-9
Ennis connects well to the body and the crowd agrees, rallying as he lets his hands go. For the first time Chukhadzhian has a look of disarray.
Round 11: Ennis 10-9
Ennis in control like most of the fight, but a slow pace to say the least. Most boxing fans would call this an underwhelming performance for Boots Ennis, lets’ see if he can get it going for round 12.
Round 12: Ennis 10-9
Ennis can make it a round, trying his hardest to land a signature hit, but Chukhadazhian looking him face to face. Ennis and the underdog locking up in the center of the ring. Nice showing from both parties, to the scorecards we go.