“That’s what Jaron Ennis wants. He wants belts. So whether that’s Josh Kelly, whether that’s Fundora, he’s going to need to fight the opposite champions before he moves as much as 160,” said Hearn last Saturday night on the post-fight press conference.
Kelly’s immediate focus is his first IBF title defense against unbeaten Caoimhin Agyarko on July 25. The bout is predicted to happen in Saudi Arabia on the Anthony Joshua-Kristian Prenga undercard, although Newcastle has also been discussed as a possible alternative venue. Kelly captured the IBF belt in January with a majority decision upset over Bakhram Murtazaliev and might be making the primary defense of his championship.
Hearn suggested Kelly could change into available for a showdown with Ennis before the top of the 12 months if he successfully retains his title.
“Josh will fight July twenty fifth after which probably November, December. So, you understand, may very well be one for Philly,” said Hearn.
The Matchroom chairman also praised Kelly’s ability, calling him “super talented” and pointing to his movement as considered one of the qualities that will present Ennis with a special style of challenge.
Hearn stopped in need of naming Kelly because the definite next opponent, noting that several possibilities remain into consideration. He also mentioned WBC champion Sebastian Fundora and interim WBC titleholder Virgil Ortiz Jr. as potential fights, depending on how the title picture develops over the approaching months. Tonight, Fundora’s promoter, Sampson Lewkowicz, ruled out a fight against Ennis next.
After his win over WBA and WBO champion Zayas, Ennis made it clear that becoming the undisputed champion at 154 kilos is his priority. If Kelly defeats Agyarko on July 25, a unification bout with Boots could quickly change into considered one of the division’s biggest fights for late 2026.