Jaron Ennis has vacated his IBF Welterweight Title, confirming his move up to the junior middleweight division .
This decision means Ennis will likely relinquish his unified welterweight titles (WBA and Ring Magazine), ending his pursuit of becoming undisputed at 147 pounds. The vacant IBF welterweight belt is now expected to be contested between Lewis Crocker and Paddy Donovan. Eddie Hearn, who promotes Crocker, confirmed that Ennis’ team stated that staying at 147 pounds was negatively impacting his performance.
Ennis is expected to make his junior middleweight debut in either August or September. A potential major fight Hearn has mentioned for Ennis in 2026 is against WBC Interim Junior Middleweight Champion Vergil Ortiz Jr. Ortiz Jr. last fought in May, securing a unanimous decision victory over Israil Madrimov to retain his interim belt. This move marks a new chapter for Ennis, as he looks to dominate a second weight class.