Jaron “Boots” Ennis claimed a decisive victory over Uisma Lima with a first-round technical knockout (TKO) in a boxing match held on November 8, 2023. This performance, while impressive, has not fully alleviated ongoing criticism regarding his choice of opponents. Despite showcasing his notable speed and power, Ennis continues to face scrutiny for not stepping into the ring against top-tier fighters such as Vergil Ortiz Jr. or Xander Zayas.
The fight against Lima was anticipated to be a showcase for Ennis, and it proved to be just that. Lima struggled from the outset, with Ennis landing a punishing right hook that sent him to the canvas shortly after the fight began. The commentary during the bout heightened the spectacle, with observers noting that the enthusiasm from commentators Sergio Mora and Todd Grisham felt exaggerated. Grisham remarked, “Maybe he is the best fighter we’ve ever seen,” a statement that resonated with many viewers and analysts alike.
Critics of Ennis have pointed out that despite his evident talent, including his speed and knockout power, he has not faced high-caliber competition. His defensive skills have also been called into question. The fight against Lima, which appeared to be mismatched on paper, did little to silence these voices.
Promoter Eddie Hearn, known for his adept promotion of fighters, remains focused on securing a title shot for Ennis at the 154-pound category. Speculation points towards a potential match against Abass Baraou as the next step, or perhaps a future bout with Ortiz, who is set to face veteran Erickson Lubin. Hearn’s role as Ennis’s promoter is critical, especially as the fighter has struggled to build a personal brand and attract significant attention to his career.
Looking ahead, the landscape for Ennis is shaping up. With potential fights against champions like WBO titleholder Xander Zayas, WBC champion Sebastian Fundora, and IBF champion Bahkram Murtzaliev, there are several paths for the undefeated fighter. If Ennis does indeed face Baraou next, a victory could position him for a title shot against Ortiz, should Ortiz win his upcoming match against Lubin.
Lubin, a seasoned fighter with only two losses to his name, represents a more formidable challenge than Lima posed. Should Ortiz prevail, the boxing community may anticipate a matchup between him and Ennis, potentially on a card featuring both Matchroom and Golden Boy fighters in 2026.
As Ennis remains undefeated, the pressure mounts for him to prove himself against top competition. Regardless of his recent victory, a significant portion of the boxing community continues to question the caliber of his opponents and the authenticity of his title aspirations. With a promising future ahead, Ennis finds himself at a crossroads, seeking to silence his critics while striving for greater recognition within the sport.