Super welterweight Jaron Ennis says there’s “no pressure” of being undefeated when he’s in the boxing ring. (Photo by Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing/Getty Images)
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Jaron “Boots” Ennis may be the hottest name in boxing right now.
The 28-year-old Philadelphia native is undefeated after defeating Uisma Lima in his super welterweight debut earlier this month in his hometown. Ennis is currently 35-0, with 31 of his victories coming via knockout.
Ennis is supposed to face Vergil Ortiz in his next fight, who is currently the WBC super welterweight champion and is also undefeated at 23-0. Ortiz is scheduled to defend the title against Erickson Lubin in his next fight on November 8.
Ortiz has yet to officially agree to the fight, but his promoter, Golden Boy’s Oscar De La Hoya, says that Ennis vs. Ortiz is the next matchup he hopes to make. If Ortiz defeats Lubin, one can assume that is the next fight on the docket for both undefeated fighters.
When asked if the undefeated streak weighs on his mind every time he enters a fight, Ennis downplays that notion and says it’s not a factor.
“There’s no pressure when I’m in that ring,” says Ennis in a one-on-one interview. “There’s no pressure. I’m able to be myself, have fun, and be able to put on a show for everyone.”
Based upon ESPN’s rankings of its junior middleweights (up to 154 pounds), Ennis is considered the third-best boxer in the weight class. Ortiz is considered the top boxer in the class.
Prior to Ennis’s fight against Lima, he had fought at the welterweight class, which is the 147-pound division. He says there really was no adjustment going from 147 to 154 pounds, saying his new weight class is actually better for him.
Ennis says he’s able to eat more and put on more muscle, making it a comfortable fit going from welterweight to super welterweight.
“The transition to 154 pounds was great,” says Ennis of the change in weight classes. “I feel good. The extra seven pounds — I feel great. I made a big statement. I’m ready to go up against the best in the world and try to knock them down one by one.”
Ennis’ name is starting to rise in the boxing circle and he could be the next major star if he can defeat Ortiz. The super welterweight’s knockout power is something to behold, possessing switch-hitter ability, while featuring a strong defensive style.
“I’m actually glad,” says Ennis of the increased attention surround him. “I’m doing my thing, it’s actually helping me become a mega star. I’m glad with everything going how it’s going and I’m ready. It’s that time.”
Considering Ennis’ versatility as a boxer, it’s no surprise that he names Floyd Mayweather and Roy Jones Jr. among the fighters he looked up to while growing up. Mayweather went undefeated and is considered the greatest defensive boxer ever. Meanwhile, Jones Jr. won multiple world championships in four different weight classes and had blazing speed with a real power punch.
He says he also molded his boxing game after his father and his brothers. Ennis also names the late Pernell Whitaker, who was a four-weight world champion, as one of his favorites.
“I molded my boxing game after my dad, my brothers and also Floyd Mayweather and Roy Jones,” says Ennis. “Those are kind of everybody that I watched the most. I like how they fight — high ring IQ, each one of them has their own asset that they’re great at and I stole (traits) from each and every one of them.”
Ennis stresses that defense is “key” for a boxer not only when it comes to winning, but as far as longevity is concerned.
“Definitely defense,” Ennis says of what he learned from the aforementioned boxers. “Defense is definitely a big key for a boxer.”
The former IBF and WBA welterweight champion says taking the least amount of hits as possible is “key ” during your boxing career.
“You try not to get hit as less as possible,” says Ennis. “Defense is key. You want to go back home to your family when you’re in your 70’s.
If Ennis is able to defeat the undefeated Ortiz, he would establish himself as the top fighter in the weight class. It could open himself up to even bigger fights, which means even bigger paydays.
Ennis has already garnered the attention of Jermell Charlo, one of the biggest name fighters in the business today. Charlo has teased a potential fight with Ennis.
Charlo’s fight against Canelo Alvarez in 2023 sold up to 700,000 units and was among the top three PPV’s of the year in boxing. He hasn’t fought since then.
The knockout puncher welcomes any potential fighter as he continues to move up the ranks. He makes it very clear he wants to be the “best in the world.”
“Most definitely,” says Ennis of welcoming any potential big fight. “Anybody that wants to step into the ring. Like I said, I’m going to beat these guys one by one one fighter at a time. I’m going to show everyone I’m the best in the world.”