“154 is mine”: Jaron “Boots” Ennis puts 154-pounders on notice, destroying Uisima Lima

Jaron “Boots” Ennis wiped out Uisima Lima in round one, declaring himself a huge threat in his junior middleweight debut in front of hometown (Philadelphia) supporters. There was criticism for fighting a lesser-known opponent on a four-fight win streak, and it even continued until shortly before the bout when former boxer and current Golden Boy Promotions chairman and CEO Oscar De La Hoya tweeted, “Not to be an ass but can someone please educate the educator? Who is Boots fighting tonight?”

The Angolan challenger was ranked sixth by the IBF, eighth by the WBA and 10th by the WBC, but the talent plus skill level was nowhere close to his rivals. 

“Bring them names.,” Ennis said. He added moments later in his post-fight interview that he wants Vergil Ortiz Jr. first. Then his promoter and chairman of Matchroom Sport, Eddie Hearn, co-signed the Ortiz suggestion and added that his man can beat anyone, even up to 168 pounds, alluding to the undisputed champion, Terence Crawford. 

More names of the top guys at 154 were mentioned as Boots (35-0, 31 KOs) was barely sweating. The fight changed when he switched to a southpaw stance. First, he stunned Lima (14-2, 9 KOs) with a right uppercut, pierced the lower body with another right clever and hooked him with both hands, knocking him down. Then he unloaded swiftly after the count, dropping him a second time. It ended moments later as Boots cornered him, and the referee stepped into the thrashing after a thumping right hand connected on the head. 

It stopped after a minute and 58 seconds.

De LA Hoya tweeted after the fight, “There’s only 1 name at 154. @ Vergil Ortiz.” 

Ortiz, a Golden Boy fighter and the WBC interim champion, will make his ring return on Nov. 8 at Dickies Arena in Ft Worth, Texas, against Erickson Lubin. Ortiz is a heavy favorite by the wise guys, but if he gets past Lubin, a clash with Ennis is one of the best fights to make because it could turn into a savage brawl. Goodness willing the public isn’t cheated and it does happen next.