Former welterweight champion Jaron “Boots” Ennis made his Super Welterweight debut against Uisma Lima in the WBA title eliminator on October 11th, as announced Monday at Philadelphia’s Wells Fargo Center on Dazn. Ennis confidently stated through Matchroom Boxing, “They can say what they want. These guys can’t tie my shoes. I’m the best in the world and they know that. I want all the big names and belts – the tour continues.”
Ennis, boasting an undefeated record of 34-0 with 30 knockouts, returns to his hometown to compete in a new weight class. In his previous bout, he stopped Eymantas Stanionis in the sixth round to claim the WBA and IBF welterweight titles. However, rather than defending his title, Ennis chose to move up to the 154-pound division after signing a multi-year deal with Matchroom Boxing.
His first opponent at this new weight is Uisma Lima, a relatively unknown fighter with a record of 14 wins, 1 loss, and 10 knockouts. Lima, originally from Angola and now living in Portugal, is riding a four-fight winning streak following a unanimous decision loss to Aaron McKenna in 2023. Lima expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I am extremely excited to take on the biggest challenge of my life against Ennis’ legitimate world-class fighter. I believe in myself… we’re coming to war. Don’t take your boots lightly because I’m here to win.”
Currently, Terrence Crawford holds the WBA title, but if he moves up to challenge Canelo Alvarez in September, the title may become vacant. Interim champion Yoenis Tellez is expected to be promoted if the championship is vacated. Additionally, Matchroom Boxing’s Eddie Hearn has suggested Ennis could face WBC interim titleholder Vergil Ortiz in early 2026. ESPN has reached out to Ortiz’s management for comment.
Fan Take: This move by Ennis to a higher weight class is a thrilling development for fight fans, setting the stage for fresh matchups and potentially redefining the super welterweight division. It signals an exciting era ahead, where dominant fighters like Ennis could unify titles and elevate the sport to new heights.
