“That’s what Jaron Ennis wants. He wants belts. So whether that’s Josh Kelly, whether that’s Fundora, he’s going to want to fight the other champions before he moves up to 160,” said Hearn last Saturday night at 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 expected to take place 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 will be making the first defense of his championship.
Hearn suggested Kelly could become available for a showdown with Ennis before the end of the year if he successfully retains his title.
“Josh will fight July 25th and then probably November, December. So, you know, could be one for Philly,” said Hearn.
The Matchroom chairman also praised Kelly’s ability, calling him “super talented” and pointing to his movement as one of the qualities that would present Ennis with a different type of challenge.
Hearn stopped short of naming Kelly as the definite next opponent, noting that several possibilities remain under 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 coming 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 pounds is his priority. If Kelly defeats Agyarko on July 25, a unification bout with Boots could quickly become one of the division’s biggest fights for late 2026.
