Having worked his way up from the ground floor, Jaron “Boots” Ennis believed that his time to show and prove had essentially arrived. But even after racking up a spotless record through 29 career fights and a top three ranking in all four sanctioning bodies, the Philadelphia slugger was willing to forgo a world title opportunity while the division’s top two names duke it out.

By all accounts, an undisputed showdown between unified champion Errol Spence Jr. and WBO trinket holder, Terence Crawford, was ostensibly next for both men. However, after failing to placate the contractual demands of Crawford, the switch-hitting pound-for-pound star abruptly abandoned the negotiating table.

Now, the newly turned 35-year-old will attempt to defend his welterweight throne against David Avanesyan on December 10th, in Omaha, Nebraska.

Ennis, like the rest of the boxing world, was left dumbfounded when given the news. More than anything, the rising contender was under the impression that another former world champion was likely to be given the opportunity, not Avanesyan.

“I was surprised,” said Ennis during an interview with YSM Sports Media. “I didn't think he was gonna fight him. If anything, if he wasn't gonna fight Spence, I thought he was gonna fight Keith Thurman.”

With Crawford throwing out a curveball of sorts, a contingency plan behind the scenes is currently being worked upon on Spence’s behalf. Nevertheless, in an effort to enforce his mandated position with the IBF, team Ennis has recently revealed that they have petitioned the sanctioning body to move forward with a showdown between Ennis and Spence.

As the 25-year-old awaits their final decision, he begins to wonder why team Crawford elected against picking up the phone to give him a call. If, however, Crawford did in fact offer Ennis his first crack at a world title, he reveals that his decision would’ve been a no-brainer.

“I ain’t get no phone call. I would've took that in a heartbeat.”