Tickets are officially on sale for Matchroom’s November 9th Jaron Ennis vs Karen Chukhadzhian 2/Jesse Rodriguez vs Pedro Guevara double feature in Philadelphia. Matchroom also announced that in addition to Raymond Ford’s previously revealed super featherweight debut opposite Orlando Gonzalez, the undercard will see Khalil Coe meet Manuel Gallegos and top super lightweight prospect Ernesto Mercado make his first appearance under Matchroom’s banner.
“All the champs at 130lbs better watch out because I’m coming for all of those straps,” said Ford. “I don’t have to do a whole lot of talking. People know what I can do when I’m at the top of my game. Right now, I’m in Colorado working hard and people are going to see the end result on November 9. Two-weight world champ coming soon, no doubt.
“This is my first fight so close to home since I made my pro debut so it’s great to be back there and I know there’s a lot of people going to come out and support.”
Said Gonzalez: “I’d like to thank ProBox, Garry [Jonas], Chris [Glover] and Daniel [Rubin], and Matchroom for the opportunity. Ray Ford is a world-level fighter and I’m going to show I’m on his level and beyond. It’s going to be a great fight.”
Coe (9-0-1. 7 KO), a touted light heavyweight prospect since his pro debut, appears to have gotten a handle on the weight issues that initially dogged him. He’s needed less than four rounds total to dispatch Juan Gerardo Osuna and Kwame Ritter this year.
Gallegos (20-2-1, 17 KO) is winless in his last two, fighting undefeated Richard Vancician to a draw and suffering a body shot knockout to Diego Pacheco in his most recent appearance two Julys ago. He’s coming up from 168 for this one.
“November 9, Philly stand-up,” said Coe. “We back. ‘Big Steppa’ – coming through. Fighting in Philly is like being home for me, and having the opportunity to put on another show in front of all my family and friends is extra special and I am ready to put on another spectacular performance.
“I believe that there is no better prospect in boxing than me, and on November 9, Manuel Gallegos is about to find that out the hard way.”
Gallegos countered: “I’m hugely motivated and can’t wait to fight in this weight division where I feel great.”
“Tito” Mercado (16-0, 15 KO) looks the goods at 22, knocking out his last five opponents in under three rounds apiece. He’s got some decent wins under his belt, namely Xolisani Ndongeni and Jeremiah Nakathila, but TBA currently has the assignment and I don’t expect much from his replacement.