Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis Eyes Statement KO in Super-Welterweight Debut Against Uisma Lima
Philadelphia’s own Jaron “Boots” Ennis will make a bold first impression in the 154-pound division when he faces Angolan contender Uisma Lima on Saturday, October 11, at Xfinity Mobile Arena, live worldwide on DAZN.
The unbeaten 28-year-old (34-0, 30 KOs) returns home after an intense training camp in Lake Tahoe, California, where he sparred with former undisputed super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez. Ennis, who dominated the welterweight division earlier this year by forcing Eimantas Stanionis to retire after six punishing rounds, is bringing his power and speed into a new weight class, aiming to become a two-division world champion.
“I’m ready to make a big statement in the 154 division,” Ennis told Matchroom’s Flash Knockdown podcast. “With the extra seven pounds, I’m feeling great. Every time I want to put on a better performance. A statement is a knockout. The main goal is to have fun and put on a show. As long as I look good there’s nothing to worry about.”
Lima (14-1, 10 KOs) comes in having three straight wins over unbeaten opponents, and is the IBO champion in the weight class. He is known for having an aggressive style and a high punch output. However, Ennis is taking nothing for granted.
“What I’ve seen with Lima—he comes forward and throws a lot of punches. Whatever he brings, I’ll be ready. Every fight needs to be locked in. I’m treating him like a big name,” he said. “It’s everything fighting at home in Philly—it’s a different type of pressure for other fighters to come and fight me there.”
The night will also showcase Ennis as a promoter, with two of his rising stars featured on the card. Tahmir Smalls (15-0, 11 KOs) will fight for his first professional title against Jose Roman (14-1, 6 KOs) for the WBA Continental North American Welterweight belt, while Dennis Thompson (7-0, 5 KOs) faces unbeaten Sean Diaz (9-0, 2 KOs) over six rounds at Super-Bantamweight.
“Tahmir Smalls has been with me since he was little. It’s his first belt, I’m proud of him,” Ennis said. “Dennis Thompson is young, hungry, and keeps showing that no one can mess with him.”
Coe will defend the WBC USA title against Jesse Hart in the co-feature. Photo by James Bell
The undercard is stacked with talent across multiple divisions. Khalil Coe (10-1-1, 8 KOs) meets Jesse Hart (31-3, 25 KOs) for the USWBC Light-Heavyweight title in the co-feature. Heavyweight Alexis Barriere (12-0, 10 KOs) challenges Guido Vianello (13-3-1, 11 KOs) for the WBC Continental Americas belt, while Smalls and Thompson take the ring for their respective bouts. Additional six- and eight-round fights feature fighters including Zaquin Moses, Antonio Dunton El Jr., Giorgio Visioli, James Wilkins, Harley Mederos, and Justin Palmieri.
Tickets for the event are available via Ticketmaster.com and Events365.com.
