WBA Champ Abass Baraou Says He’s “Down for a Fight” With Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis After Watching His First-Round Destruction of Lima

WBA junior middleweight champion Abass Baraou says he “would be down for a fight” against Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis next after watching him capture the interim 154-lb title with a first-round knockout of Uisma Lima last Saturday night in Philadelphia.

(Credit: Emma Brawley Matchroom Boxing)

Baraou Throws His Name in the ‘Boots’ Hat

Baraou (17-1, 9 KOs) would like to test his skills against the unbeaten Ennis (35-0, 31 KOs) if the match can be negotiated. He says he brings a lot of pressure, and would be looking forward to seeing how ‘Boots’ deals with that.

“I would be down for a fight like this. I’m willing to fight ‘Boots,’” said WBA junior middleweight champion Abass Baraou to Pro Boxing Fans about his interest in defending against Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis.

Eddie Hearn Eyes Ortiz, But Baraou Waits

Ennis and his promoter, Eddie Hearn, both mentioned Abass’ name at the post-fight press conference last Saturday night after he did a first-round demolition job against Lima (14-2, 10 KOs) at the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia. However, they both made it known that they would like to fight Vergil Ortiz Jr. next if possible.

“I’m looking forward to making a great fight. I bring a lot of pressure. I would love to see how he deals with a fighter like me. He would be an opponent for me to prove that I’m the best,” said Abass.

Baraou was elevated to the WBA 154 champion on September 21-23, 2025. This was shortly after the previous champion, Terence Crawford, vacated the title on September 13. For Baraou to put himself in line for the elevation, he defeated WBA interim junior middleweight champion Yoenis Tellez by a 12-round unanimous decision on August 23, 2025, in Orlando, Florida.

“Top Rank has reached out to make a unification with Xander. Vergil Ortiz is also an opponent I want to test myself against. We are looking forward to making the next great fight happen. I like the Xander fight,” said Baraou.

Can Baraou Tempt Ennis Into a Title Showdown?

It would be a wise move for Baraou to go in the direction of a unification fight against WBO champion Xander Zayas to pick up his belt to use as a lure to entice ‘Boots’ Ennis to face him. Having just one title might not be enough for Baraou to interest ‘Boots’ and Hearn.

Dan Ambrose has covered boxing since 2011, bringing fans insight into the sport’s biggest fights.