After becoming a unified world champion and proving that he was the best welterweight in the world, Jaron “Boots” Ennis decided to move up in weight, and judging by his recent call-outs, Ennis is focused on making a run to the top of the pound-for-pound list.
On the night of October 11th at the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Jaron Ennis walked to the ring with the intent of making a statement. At the conclusion of the scheduled 12-round bout, Ennis made a statement that was loud and clear.
Back in April 2024, Ennis made a significant career move when he signed on with Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing. Two months later, Boots Ennis was in the ring defending his IBF title against David Avanesyan.
On that particular night, Ennis was working part-time hours as he stopped David Avanesyan in the fifth round. Boots Ennis would go on to have another successful title defense when he defeated Karen Chukhadzhian by way of unanimous decision.
When Ennis was scheduled to face the WBA world welterweight champion Eimantas Stanionis, many assumed that the bout would be a legitimate test. Jaron Ennis passed the test with ease, as he stopped Eimantas Stanionis in the sixth round and became the WBA/IBF unified welterweight world champion.
After proving he was the best in the welterweight division, Ennis moved up to 154, where he was set to face Uisma Lima. Based on his aggression and volume punching, Lima thought he had a chance to score the upset and formally introduce himself to the mainstream.
Unfortunately for Lima, the singing of the National Anthem lasted longer than the fight. In the opening round, the switch-hitter Boots Ennis was in the orthodox stance. With 2:02 remaining in the first round, the problems started for Lima when Ennis switched to southpaw.
Ennis landed a big right uppercut followed by a three-punch combination that sent Lima down to the canvas. Lima was able to get up, and when the match continued, Ennis landed a flurry of punches that sent Lima back down to the canvas.
Once again, Uisma Lima was able to get up, and once again, he got hit by a flurry of hard shots, which forced the referee to step in and put a halt to the contest. With the victory, Jaron “Boots” Ennis (35-0, 31 KOs) made a successful debut at 154, while winning the WBA junior-middleweight interim title.
During his post-fight interview, Jaron Ennis shared his junior-middleweight hit list. Ennis called out Vergil Ortiz, Jermell Charlo, WBO world champion Xander Zayas, WBC world champion Sebastian Fundora, and IBF world champion Bakhram Murtazaliev.
Jaron Ennis is a generational talent who has all the tools. He has a high ring IQ, athleticism, speed, power, and excellent punch placement. Ennis is currently in the prime of his career, and he’s ready to chase greatness.
Both Ennis and his promoter, Eddie Hearn, predict Ennis will make a run that will propel him to the top of the pound-for-pound list. During the post-fight interview, Eddie Hearn elaborated on his confidence in Boots Ennis.
“I’m telling you, he’s 28 years of age. This is the future of the sport of boxing,” Hearn said. “This is the pound-for-pound number one in waiting. There is nobody at 54, 60, and dare I say 168 who can beat this guy. We’re coming for everybody, one man included, but we got to earn that right.”
With Ennis by his side, Hearn went on to say, “Vergil Ortiz will get destroyed by Jaron Ennis. I will bet the house on it with Oscar De La Hoya. It’s the best fight in boxing in America. It’s a beautiful fight. He’s a great fighter, but this guy is another level.”
Last Updated on 10/14/2025
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