Boots Ennis Slammed For Choosing Lima Over Tim Tszyu

Trainer Brian Norman Sr. trashed Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis for his decision to turn down a fight against Tim Tszyu in favor of a match against Uisma Lima in his debut at 154 on October 11. Norman Sr. states that Ennis (34-0, 30 KOs) doesn’t want to face anyone who can “fight back.”

Tszyu Was the Test

Ennis, 28, is using Lima (14-1, 10 KOs) to prepare for a potentially more challenging fight against Vergil Ortiz Jr. in early 2026. That fight still needs to be finalized, and it’s uncertain whether it will actually take place.

Even if it doesn’t, the former IBF and WBA welterweight champion Ennis could have used a tougher fight to prepare himself for the type of fighters that he’ll be expected to face in the 154-lb division.

“You’re fighting a guy with 16 fights,” said Brian Norman Sr. to MillCity Boxing about Jaron Ennis fighting Uisma Lima, who has a 14-1 record. “Why would he not take that fight? That’s crazy,” said Norman Sr., reacting to being told that Ennis could have fought Tim Tszyu.

Boots Playing It Safe

Ennis and his promoter, Eddie Hearn, chose to play it safe in his first fight at 154. They likely could have taken on a risky fight, like Tszyu, but opted for the match against Lima instead. When they chose not to negotiate a deal with #1 WBO contender Josh Kelly, it was clear that they weren’t going to take any risks.

Karen Had Him Spinning

Ennis had looked so bad in his rematch with Karen Chukhadzhian last year on November 9. From that bad experience, it’s not surprising that Hearn isn’t choosing to match him tough in his debut at 154. Karen had Boots’ head spinning in that fight, which was a lot closer than the wide scores the judges turned in for Ennis.

Ambrose’s Viewpoint: Ennis’ Stock Stuck in Neutral

“Tim Tszyu was a good fighter, and that was perfect for his style. That would have definitely raised his stock up,” said Norman Sr. “He doesn’t want to fight nobody that can actually fight. You couldn’t get up for Karen [Chukhadzhian], but you can get up for Uisma Lima with 15 fights.”

Ennis should have taken the fight with Tszyu if there was a chance for him to face him. The preparation he would have received would have helped him get ready for Vergil Ortiz. The Karen fight took something out of Ennis in terms of his willingness to take risks.

Dan Ambrose has covered boxing since 2011, offering trusted insight on the sport’s biggest fights.