The welterweight division is in for a wild ride, and Karen Chukhadzhian is at the heart of the storm. In a stunning display of power and precision, the Ukrainian fighter delivered a second-round knockout to Argentina’s Joel Marcos Mafauad, leaving no doubt about his dominance in the ring. But here’s where it gets intriguing: Chukhadzhian’s victory wasn’t just about the win—it was a statement that he’s still a force to be reckoned with, even after his high-profile losses to Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis. And this is the part most people miss: Chukhadzhian’s relentless style and ability to finish fights could make him a dark horse contender in a division desperate for fresh narratives.
Chukhadzhian’s performance at Arena Riga in Latvia was nothing short of electrifying. Facing Mafauad, a durable boxer making his first appearance outside Argentina, Chukhadzhian wasted no time asserting his authority. A barrage of power shots in the second round floored Mafauad, forcing the referee to stop the fight at just 1:23. This marked Chukhadzhian’s first stoppage victory in nearly two years, a significant milestone after his recent decision-heavy bouts.
But is Chukhadzhian truly back in title contention? His record now stands at 26-3 with 14 knockouts, and his victory over Mafauad earned him two vacant regional titles. Yet, the welterweight landscape is crowded with talent. Chukhadzhian is currently ranked No. 6 by the IBF, whose title is held by Lewis Crocker, and No. 4 by the WBO, where Brian Norman Jr. reigns supreme. With Norman Jr. set to face Devin Haney later this year, the division is ripe for upheaval. Could Chukhadzhian capitalize on this momentum and secure another title shot? Or will his past losses to Ennis continue to cast a shadow over his aspirations?
Speaking of Ennis, his move to the 154-pound division—and subsequent vacating of the IBF and WBA welterweight titles—has left a void in the division. Chukhadzhian’s repeat defeats to Ennis were hard-fought but ultimately one-sided, with Ennis winning both their January 2023 interim title fight and their November 2024 rematch by unanimous decision. Yet, Chukhadzhian’s resilience and ability to bounce back after setbacks are undeniable. His win over Mafauad was a step in the right direction, but the question remains: Can he rise to the top again?
Meanwhile, the boxing world is buzzing with anticipation for Lamont Roach vs. Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz, a matchup that promises fireworks. In the latest episode of BoxingScene Today, fans shared their predictions, and the stylistic clash between Roach’s technical prowess and Cruz’s aggressive pressure fighting has everyone on the edge of their seats. But what does this fight mean for the future of boxing pay-per-view? As the sport grapples with shifting viewer habits, bouts like these could redefine how fans engage with the sport.
Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: With Chukhadzhian’s resurgence and the welterweight division in flux, is he the underdog contender we’ve been overlooking? Or are his past losses to Ennis a sign that he’s reached his ceiling? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. One thing’s for sure: Karen Chukhadzhian isn’t going anywhere, and the welterweight division is all the more exciting for it.
