On the night of January 7-8, American Jaron Ennis (30-0, 27 KOs) won the “interim” IBF welterweight world title (up to 66.7 kg), defeating Ukrainian Karen Chukhadzhyan (21-2, 11 KOs).
After the fight, Jaron took part in the post-match press conference. Newly minted “interim” champion
commented his speech against the Ukrainian, spoke about the plan for 2023 and told about his grandiose goals for his future career.
Report from vRINGe: Ennis-Chukhadjian: He doesn’t bark, he bites!
How would you rate your performance today?
– It needs to be reviewed. There were many things that I could have done better. Could cut the ring a little better, be a little more precise. I wasn’t looking for a way to knock out, I just enjoyed it. Now I’ll be back in the gym on Monday, I’ll get better, hone my tools.
– What was it like for you to go through a duel with a fighter who didn’t go to rapprochement the whole fight? Did it upset you because you kind of tried to follow him all night?
— I wasn’t upset. I caught myself several times thinking that I was bored. This is in boxing, it was.
– How important was it for you not only to reach 12 rounds, but to pass them?
– It is perfectly. It was a great experience, I felt great. I was in great shape, phenomenal shape. I’m not mad at myself, but I feel like I should have added, pushed a little more on the gas, thrown a little more punch and that sort of thing. But it’s all experience, it will come.
- Karen Chukhadzhyan commented on the fight with Jaron Ennis
– Virgil Ortiz is now without an opponent, because Stanionis had a successful operation to remove his appendix. How interested are you in trying to get in the ring against Virgil Ortiz anytime soon?
“I am looking forward to my return. The goal is to have three fights this year. It doesn’t have to be Ortiz. It doesn’t matter who it will be. It could be Ortiz, Spence, Crawford, Keith Thurman, Ugas. I just want to fight all the top guys and show the world my real talent. In the meantime, I have guys a class below.
“There are some young hungry guys like you. Do you feel the need to rush to lift them up in their quest for welterweight belts?
– The main goal is to take the belts and fight the best guys. If I have to fight a former champion or someone with a name, then so be it. I just want to stay active, keep winning, and conquer the division and the boxing world.
“You said you’d go up against anyone, but is there a particular name you want to try and go after?”
– Anyone with a title. The main goal is to become the undisputed welterweight champion. Do it at 69.9 kg and then do the same at 72.6 kg, and maybe at 76.2 kg. That’s all.
— How do you win the first of the “pieces of iron”?
– I feel great. I can’t wait for the future and getting real belts. It’s been a great experience and I appreciate the IBF and everyone else for letting me fight for this belt.
What are your final thoughts on the fact that you are taking home the IBF interim title belt? I am sure that this is the first of your future achievements.
“Like I said, I feel great. Keep following me, support me. I will continue to improve. Keep following me. I will become the absolute champion in three or four different categories!