'Future of boxing' Ennis retains welterweight title

Rising US star Jaron Ennis was hailed as "the future of boxing" after a fifth-round stoppage of challenger David Avanesyan to retain his IBF world welterweight crown.

Ennis, 27, was fighting for the first time in more than a year and took some shots from his experienced opponent, but had too much skill and power for the Russian.

He edged some competitive opening rounds before stepping it up from the third round to delight more than 14,000 fans at the Wells Fargo Center in his home city of Philadelphia.

After sending the 35-year-old Avanesyan to the canvas in the fifth, Ennis launched a sustained attack until the bell brought the round to an end.

It also brought the fight to a close, as Avanesyan's corner, on the advice of the ringside doctor, decided their fighter had had enough.

Ennis, unbeaten in 32 bouts, said he was happy with his display but added: "I felt like my timing was a little off."

"If he thinks that performance was off, the world of boxing ought to be very, very afraid," his promoter Eddie Hearn said. "He’s the future of boxing. That's what he is."

Ennis has now set his sights on facing Terence Crawford, saying: "I want the big names."

The undercard also witnessed a successful world title defence as Australia's Skye Nicolson won a unanimous points victory over Dyana Vargas of the Dominican Republic to retain her WBC featherweight belt.

The 28-year-old dominated without finding the cutting edge over 10 rounds, all three judges scoring it 100-90 in favour of the 2018 Commonwealth Games gold medallist.