Many observers believe that Philadelphia fighter Jaron Ennis is the best welterweight fighter, although he holds only one of the four recognized world titles at that weight.

Ennis has been the IBF champion since November 2023, after his interim status was upgraded following the sanctioning body’s decision to strip former undisputed 147-pound king Terence Crawford of his belt.

In the 14 months he has been a full-fledged title champion, the 27-year-old has failed to achieve the much-sought-after unification, although according to reports, multiple offers were made to WBO belt holder Brian Norman Jr, but all were rejected.

But a fighter widely considered to be “Boots'” toughest test in the welterweight division has thrown his hat into the ring this week.

WBA world champion Eimantis Stanionis has called for a fight with Ennis, which he believes he will “survive” if they meet this year.

“He is quick, powerful and skilled, but I believe in myself and my ability to outlast anyone in the ring.

“The fans are asking for this fight and I want it to become a reality.

“Unification struggles like this define a legacy.”

While a clash with Ennis would almost certainly be the most financially lucrative for the Lithuanian pressure fighter, he also assured that he would have no problem uniting with the previously mentioned Norman or WBC champion Mario Barrios.

“Brian Norman Jr. he has proven that he is among the best and is getting better.

“I know he’s hungry to show the world what he’s capable of. This fight would be a high-stakes fight between two fighters who refuse to back down. I’m ready to put my belt on the line to make this happen.

“Mario Barrios is a mighty champion who brings toughness and heart to the ring.

“A fight between us would be explosive. I respect what he has achieved in sport, but I believe that my skills and determination will make the difference.

“Let’s give the fans a war they will never forget.”

With the likes of Crawford and Errol Spence Jr moving up to welterweight, the welterweight division is now wide open to a modern face who could be a top contender in 2025.

Many experts were convinced it would be Ennis, but question marks emerged after his shaky performance in the November rematch with Karen Chukhadzian.

George Groves believes that Moses Itauma will be a tougher fight for Oleksandr Usyk than the rematch with Daniel Dubois.

Itauma made a cruel statement about Usyk’s second straight victory over Tyson Fury on Saturday: destroying Demsey McKean during Riyad’s round, with Dubois watching her from ringside.

Dubois, who was stopped by Usyk in nine rounds last August, stormed into the Ukrainian’s post-fight interview, demanding a rematch.

But former super middleweight world champion Groves believes rising teenage star Itauma, who turns 20 at the end of this month, will be his most tough task.

“I don’t see anyone beating him,” the 36-year-old said on his podcast George Groves Boxing Club.

“If you said to me: make a list of people who could challenge Oleksandr Usyk, you would answer: ‘Exactly, Daniel Dubois.’

“I think Moses Itauma is a tougher fight than Daniel Dubois is for Usyk.

“I really mean it.

“Who wants this fight?

“No one wants this fight.”

Kent is already sixth in the WBO rankings, behind Usyk, who holds the belt and the WBC and WBO crowns, and Dubois will defend his IBF belt in a fight against Joseph Parker on February 22.

The 19-year-old has said he wants to break Mike Tyson’s record and become the youngest ever world heavyweight champion, but Groves suspects securing fights for him could be tough.

“We are now getting to the point where we need to put him in the company of real gatekeepers,” he added.

– Is that Dillian Whyte?

“Is that Joe Joyce?

“None of these guys want to try Itauma.

“They have to pay them like it’s a gigantic title fight because they’re not hiding from anything.”

Usyk said he would have no problem fighting Dubois again if he prevails over Parker, and the fight would give him a chance to make more history by becoming the first-ever two-time undisputed heavyweight champion.

Natasha Jonas unified the welterweight division by defeating Ivana Habazin by clear points on Saturday to add the WBC title to her IBF crown at the Exhibition Center in Liverpool.

Jonas (16-2-1, 9 KO) was last seen defending her title in January in a hard-fought split decision over Mikaela Mayer, while Habazin (23-6, 7 KO) won the vacant WBC welterweight title in her home country. time out, winning by wide points over Kinga Magyar.

After a technical opening round, Jonas settled into a steady rhythm before landing a powerful right hand in the fourth round that crushed Habazin.

There was a rivalry, but the home favorite was much better in the rallies and seemed to be losing round after round.

This situation lasted until the final bell, when Jonas became the winner by scores of 100-90, 99-91 and 99-92.

Price is closing in on Jonas’ match

Lauren Price definitely stayed on as a collision course with Jonas and easily defended her WBA and IBO welterweight titles after a third-round fight against Bexcy Mateus.

Mateus (7-1, 6 KO) was on board in the first round, after the Welshman landed a powerful left hand, and the Colombian struggled to match Price’s speed.

The same shot caused the 29-year-old to repeat the punch in the second round, and the round later ended when another stinging left hand stunned Meteus and she fell to the canvas, after which the fight was stopped.

Price (8-0, 2 KO) has agreed to face Jonas next, and promoter Ben Shalom revealed it could be announced next week.

Knife edge passes McKenna

Lee Cutler scored an upset victory to claim the silver WBC International welterweight title after winning a majority decision against Stephen McKenna.

McKenna (15-1, 14 KO) was eliminated in the first round, his knee touching the canvas after being tagged, and Cutler (15-1, 7 KO) took full advantage of his opponent’s weakness in the seventh round when his right hand plunged into his knee. The Irishman who ultimately fell once again.

McKenna was relentless in his attacks and landed a huge number of punches.

The balance of 94-94 was surpassed by the scores of 95-93 and 96-92, which ensured the victory for Cutler.

Jeffers stopped Quartey

Mark Jeffers is on track for large fights in 2025 after defeating Joshua Quartey to defend his silver Commonwealth super middleweight title.

A pair of right hands put Quartey (10-1, 9 KO) on the board, and although he broke the count, a well-placed body shot after the restart by Jeffers (19-0, 6 KO) blew the guy away again.

A crazy attack after the restart forced a stoppage.

Riley secures Chamberlain’s face-off with a stoppage

Viddal Riley finished the heavyweight fight and stopped Dan Garber in the second of the scheduled six rounds.

Riley (12-0, 7 KO) hit Garber (7-4, 2 KO) with his right hand, and then his next attack forced the referee’s intervention.

Riley’s next match will be against Isaac Chamberlain on February 1.

Undercard remaining

Mason Cartwright (21-4-1, 8 KO) won all six rounds at super welterweight against Dzmitry Atrokhau (16-25, 7 KO), and Hope lightweight Frankie Stringer (9-0, 1 KO) did the same in the fight against Tatenda Mangombe (3-9-1).

In the flyweight division, Mikie Tallon (6-0) defeated Benn Norman (7-7) with a body shot in the first round of the match, and then settled for a 59-54 victory.

The only fighter to fight four rounds in the super featherweight division was Mason Devine (6-0, 1 KO), who won every session against Jayo Fernando Duran (15-34-1, 14 KO).