Promoter Eddie Hearn mentioned four possible options for his fighter, IBF and WBO welterweight champion Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis, for his next fight. He says he’ll meet with Ennis (34-0, 30 KOs) next week to “talk through the options for him.
Hearn mentioned that Ennis has his WBA mandatory defense due against Shakhram Giyasov, but he wants to fight WBO champ Brian Norman Jr. or the other champion at 147. If he fights one of those two, he can bypass his mandatory Giyasov (17-0, 10 KOs). He’s arguably a harder fight for Boots than Norman or WBC champion Mario Barrios.
Hearn’s Options
– Shakhram Giyasov
– Brian Norman Jr.
– Teofimo Lopez
– Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero
Hearn says Turki Alalshikh wants Ennis to fight Teofimo Lopez. he likes that fight. Teofimo is defending his WBO light welterweight title against Arnold Barboza Jr. on May 2nd. If he loses to him, that would likely eliminate him as an option for Boots.
Bypassing the Mandatory?
“Great news because I think Ryan Garcia beats Rolly Romero. I would love the Rolly Romero fight for Boots,” said Eddie Hearn to the media, reacting to being told that the WBA has mandated the winner of the Ryan Garcia vs. Rolando ‘Rolly’ Romero fight and the Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis vs. Shakhram Giyasov clash must fight.”
There wouldn’t be a lot of interest from fans for a fight between Boots Ennis and Rolly if Romero is coming off a loss to Ryan on May 2nd. Boots might as well bite the bullet and get his WBA mandatory commitment over with against Giyasov rather than defending against Rolly, coming off a loss.
“I will say as well that Boots wants to face the other champions. We do have the [WBA-ordered] Giyasov issue. I think Boots wants to go out and fight [WBO welterweight champion] Brian Norman. I know His Excellency [Turki Alalshikh] wants Boots to fight Teofimo Lopez.”
The way that Hearn is talking, Ennis may bypass his WBA-ordered fight against Giyasov. How he plans on doing that remains to be seen. If Turki Alalshikh is going to be involved, they can pay Giyasov to step aside, allowing Ennis to fight Teofimo.
A unification with WBO welterweight champion Brian Norman Jr. wouldn’t require a step-aside, as those fights take precedence over mandatory defenses. However, eventually, Boots will have to defend against Giyasov, because former WBA champion Eimantas Stanionis has already bypassed him.
Unbelievable Position
“Right now, I’ll say it right now that Boots is the red-hot guy in boxing. That last performance [sixth round TKO of WBA 147-lb champion Eimantas Stanionis]. Everyone knows this guy is the future of boxing.
“So, we’re in an unbelievable position, and we will plan accordingly and in the best interest of Jaron Ennis. We’ll meet next week and talk through the options,” said Hearn.
Last Updated on 04/25/2025
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