Matchroom Boxing has won the bid to stage the IBF world welterweight title fight between champion Jaron Ennis and contender Cody Crowley. The bidding took place on April 23, 2024, with Matchroom offering $3.9 million, outbidding TGB Promotions' $2 million offer. The event is scheduled for July in Philadelphia, marking Ennis's debut match under Matchroom Boxing.
Jaron "Boots" Ennis boasts a perfect record of 31 wins, no losses, and 28 knockouts. Recently signed by Matchroom Boxing on April 10, Ennis is set to defend his IBF world welterweight title in his hometown. Cody Crowley, his opponent, comes into this fight undefeated as well at 22-0 with 9 knockouts and ranked No. 3.
Eddie Hearn from Matchroom expressed his enthusiasm about winning the bid. He said,
"Purse bids were finally called, and we won it [the purse bid]. We won the big purse bid today, so we are going to bring Boots [Ennis] home to Philadelphia. We are going to have a massive show incoming for Jaron Ennis in Philadelphia in July. It is time to bring this superstar home to his home city. There’ll be an announcement very soon about the venue, the confirmed date, and I am absolutely over the moon on being able to deliver that for Jaron."
The purse split details were outlined following the win by Matchroom. Champion Jaron Ennis will earn $3,323,500 which represents 85% of the purse while challenger Cody Crowley will receive $586,500 or 15%.
TGB Promotions engaged in negotiations but lost out during the purse bidding process after both parties failed to reach an agreement by March 26 as per IBF's order. They had previously informed IBF of a reached agreement post a stalemate but had put forward a lesser amount than what Matchroom eventually bid.
