'Future of boxing' Ennis retains welterweight title

Rising US prima Jaron Ennis was hailed arsenic "the early of boxing" aft a fifth-round stoppage of challenger David Avanesyan to clasp his IBF world welterweight crown.

Ennis, 27, was fighting for nan first clip successful much than a twelvemonth and took immoderate shots from his knowledgeable opponent, but had excessively overmuch accomplishment and powerfulness for nan Russian.

He edged immoderate competitory opening rounds earlier stepping it up from nan 3rd information to delight much than 14,000 fans astatine nan Wells Fargo Center successful his location metropolis of Philadelphia.

After sending nan 35-year-old Avanesyan to nan canvas successful nan fifth, Ennis launched a sustained onslaught until nan doorbell brought nan information to an end.

It besides brought nan conflict to a close, arsenic Avanesyan's corner, connected nan proposal of nan ringside doctor, decided their combatant had had enough.

Ennis, unbeaten successful 32 bouts, said he was happy pinch his show but added: "I felt for illustration my timing was a small off."

"If he thinks that capacity was off, nan world of boxing ought to beryllium very, very afraid," his promoter Eddie Hearn said. "He’s nan early of boxing. That's what he is."

Ennis has now group his sights connected facing Terence Crawford, saying: "I want nan large names."

The undercard besides witnessed a successful world title defence arsenic Australia's Skye Nicolson won a unanimous points triumph complete Dyana Vargas of nan Dominican Republic to clasp her WBC featherweight belt.

The 28-year-old dominated without uncovering nan cutting separator complete 10 rounds, each 3 judges scoring it 100-90 successful favour of nan 2018 Commonwealth Games golden medallist.