Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis Begins 154lb Quest – Eddie Hearn Hails New Era

On October 11, Jaron Ennis vs Uisma Lima will headline a Matchroom Boxing card at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. ‘Boots’ (34-0, 30 KOs) will be making his debut at super welterweight, facing Lima in a WBA title eliminator. Eddie Hearn and Lima (14-1, 10 KOs) have both reacted to the news of the fight.

Jaron Ennis vs Uisma Lima Set for October 11 in Philadelphia

Eddie Hearn and Lima Share Reactions

This move from ‘Boots’ to join the stacked 154lb division is not a surprising one. Since Eddie Hearn confirmed the move, speculation reigned over who Ennis would face, and his first bout at super welterweight has now been confirmed. ‘Boots’ will face the unknown Angolan fighter Lima. It appears Ennis will not be losing any of his confidence on this new journey:

“They can say what they want. It don’t make me a difference,” Ennis said. “These dudes can’t tie my shoes. I’m the best in the world and they know it.” He dominated at welterweight and ended his time at that weight in style, stopping Eimantas Stanionis in the sixth round to retain the IBF and win the WBA belt in their April 12 showdown.

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Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn couldn’t hide his excitement regarding ‘Boots’ move to 154lb: “Jaron was outstanding in what turned out to be his last fight at 147 pounds, but after listening to his body, it’s time to start the journey to two-weight glory, and I cannot wait to see what sort of animal this man will be at his new weight.”

Jaron Ennis vs Uisma Lima

The Angolan-born Lima is in good form, winning his last four fights since losing to the impressive Irishman Aaron McKenna in 2023. “I am very excited to be taking on the biggest challenge of my life against a legit, world-level fighter in Ennis,” Lima said. “I believe in myself. We will be coming to war. Please don’t take me lightly, Boots, as I am coming to win.”

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We tipped Lima as one of the three most likely opponents for Ennis, and now he has the chance to shock the world. He is an aggressive come-forward fighter who will look to make Ennis uncomfortable. ‘Boots‘ has exceptional footwork and picks his punches impressively, so he will look to punish Lima as he comes forward. If ‘Boots‘ finds his range early and gets into a groove, he could likely force a mid-late round stoppage.