Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis’ Tune-Up Fight is Set, Eddie Hearn Finds ‘Hungry’ Opponent for October Clash

Eddie Hearn says he’s found someone for Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis’ tune-up fight for October. Hearn says it’s a “Hungry” fighter doesn’t have a “massive profile name,” which translates to another bottom-feeder.

Rashidi Ellis has been ruled out for ‘Boots’ Ennis’ tune-up. Hearn says he was offered $500,000, but wanted $900,000. According to Hearn, Rashidi came back and agreed to the $500, but by then it was too late. They’d already signed the anonymous “Hungry” fighter.

A Test for ‘Boots’ Ennis?

“People don’t want to fight Jaron Ennis. Luckily, we found someone who is very hungry and who is not afraid to take chances because he’s not a massive profile name. He’s not protecting anything. He’s coming to fight, and I need someone who is coming to test Boots at 154 before we go on the wildest run,” said Eddie Hearn to iFL TV about how he’s signed someone to fight Ennis in October.

One rumored name that is being mentioned is #10 WBA Uisma Lima. He’s from Angola, not well known, resumed filled with victories over no-name opponents, and lost to Aaron McKenna by a wide 10-round unanimous decision in 2023. That’s the only notable name on Lima’s resume. That wouldn’t be much of a test for Boots. It would be a step down from the opposition that Ennis has been fighting in recent years. Karen Chukhadzhian is leagues better than Lima if that’s who Hearn has selected.

Rashidi Ellis’ Failed Negotiation

“Guys like Rashidi Ellis, who weren’t top of the list priorities coming in. They’re making $50,000 per fight. They got offered half a million dollars. ‘Oh, by the way, we want eight or 900,000.’ And then they come back, ‘We’ll take the 500 [thound],’ when they know we’ve signed [someone],” said Hearn.

It’s not surprising that Hearn didn’t sweeten the deal to get Ellis as the opponent for Boots. He failed to negotiate a deal with Josh Kelly as well.

Hearn on the Vergil Ortiz Fight

“Boots will destroy Vergil Ortiz, and it will be one of the best fights in boxing. Two guys in their absolute prime. So, my hope is that Vergil Ortiz will sign the contract. We have signed the contract in terms of everything that was agreed with Golden Boy. We think we can do a great event with Golden Boy. With Oscar De La Hoya and Golden Boy, we think we can produce what I think is one of the best fights in American boxing.