Gaunt ‘Boots’ Ennis Faces Lima In Philly Rooftop Showdown

A thin and haggard-looking Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis met with Uisma Lima on top of a tall building on Tuesday for a face-off to promote their 12-round WBA junior middleweight title eliminator this Saturday night, October 11, on DAZN at the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia.

(Matchroom Boxing)

A Drained Look at 154

‘Boots’ resembled someone who had been living underneath a bridge. The weight cut appears to have taken a lot out of him. What happened to him?

Ennis needs a statement win to show fans that he’s capable of capturing world titles at 154. He said last week that his goal is to try to become the undisputed champion at junior middleweight before moving up to 160 and then 168.

He’s already 28, and it’s not a good idea for him to stay in this weight class too long if he wants to win titles in other divisions.

“Boots Ennis at 154 is a problem for everyone. His speed and power carry up. I expect a statement KO against Lima. This is just the start of his reign in this division,” said Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn.

“Boots’ Ennis, in his career, has talked about fighting the real guys. He’s had the one fight that really mattered against Stanionis,” said Dan Rafael to Boxing News. “Jaron Ennis has talked a lot about fighting the top guys, and not signing the contract to fight the top guys. He’s had a long career already.”

Jaron’s decision not to take on one of the top 154-pounders in his debut in this weight class has made him look weak in the eyes of fans. They’re already tired of Ennis’ decision to turn down fights against Teofimo Lopez, Devin Haney, and Vergil Ortiz Jr.

Smith’s View: Wrong Division Again

Ennis (34-0, 30 KOs) didn’t look in the best of health compared to his opponent, #8 WBA, #9 IBF, and #10 WBC Lima (14-1, 10 KOs). It’s pretty clear that Boot’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, was a little off about how much healthier and stronger Ennis will be moving up from 147 to 154.

Judging from his appearance, he’s still fighting in the wrong weight class for his body frame. He looks like he should be at 160 or 168. We’ll see on Saturday if the move up to 154 helped him because he needs to dominate this guy.

By Bob Smith — Fight Game Analyst, Chronicling Boxing Since 2012.