Ryan Garcia and De La Hoya Dismiss ‘Boots’ Ennis as Pound-for-Pound Star

At an open media workout ahead of his welterweight fight against Rolly Romero (16-2, 13 KOs), Ryan Garcia and Oscar De La Hoya spoke to the media, including Fight Hub TV about whether they consider Jaron “Boots” Ennis a pound-for-pound ranked fighter after his dominating win over Eimantas Stanionis and who would be the A side in a Garcia-Boots fight.

Ryan Garcia and Oscar De La Hoya Question Boots Ennis’ P4P Status

Garcia and Oscar Discuss Lack of Elite Competition for ‘Boots’

Garcia was asked if he viewed Boots as a P4P fighter: “I wouldn’t say so, I mean-why does Stanionis – why would that fight put you in P4P category if you wasn’t there before?”

Garcia continued: “Maybe if he beat someone like (Terence) Crawford, or not even Crawford, just a little bit more than that I feel like, yes he could.”

Read More: Five Welterweight Fighters to Watch in 2025

During the interview De La Hoya expressed his doubts regarding the resume of Boots to be considered a P4P star at this point: “In order to be considered a best, pound-for-pound fighter, you gotta beat some pound-for-pound ranked fighters. You have Crawford, you have, you know fighters like Vergil, and the fighter that he beat, Israil Madrimov. Guys like that. Those are the top guys that are guarding the gate.”

“If Boots beats someone like that, then consider him top 10, obviously. But he’s a great fighter, I like his style, but a Ryan-Boots fight is obviously a mega event because of Ryan.”

‘Boots’ Ennis vs Ryan Garcia

In a separate interview with the media, including Fight Hub TV, De La Hoya was asked what he thinks of a potential Jaron Ennis vs Ryan Garcia fight at 147lbs: “First time I hear that. I think it’s a great fight. I think Ryan Garcia does well. Boots Ennis is a crafty, very skilful fighter. I like him. But that fight there, I think I would have to pick Ryan for the win.”

Read More: Five Super Welterweight Fighters to Watch in 2025

Whatever comes next for Ennis, whether he stays at 147 for further title opportunities, faces Garcia or moves up to 154, the boxing world will be tuned in. If “Kingry” can get past Rolly on May 2 as expected, he will be firmly in the hunt for big opportunities at 147 pounds.