Ennis Dominates in 154-Pound Debut
Jaron “Boots” Ennis achieved exactly what he needed in his first fight at 154 pounds, knocking out Uisma Lima just two minutes after the fight began on Saturday night in front of a Philadelphia crowd, capturing the WBO interim super welterweight title.
Fans Demand Bigger Fights
With all due respect, fellow boxing fans, Ennis delivered a solid performance, but now it’s time for him to step up and fight someone noteworthy. His impressive record now stands at 35 wins, 31 by knockout, but much of his reputation has been built against less-known opponents. While he has shown immense talent, his previous competition has mainly been obscure to mainstream boxing followers.
Attendance Issues Raise Concerns
Despite the excitement surrounding Ennis, attendance for the Lima fight appeared to be lacking, with the upper deck of the venue entirely unsold. This contrasted sharply with earlier fights where crowds were significantly larger. The takeaway here: maintaining an engaging spectacle is crucial to keeping fans in seats, even in his hometown.
A Promoter’s Advice and Impressive Performance
Before the fight, promoter Eddie Hearn emphasized that Ennis needed to deliver a standout performance to reconnect with fans. Ennis delivered in spades, exhibiting aggression and skill almost immediately as he switched to a southpaw stance and took control of the fight.
Quick Takedown of Lima
After a brief exchange, Ennis struck with a powerful uppercut that wobbled Lima. The relentless assault continued, with Lima struggling to withstand the onslaught before the referee finally called the fight to a halt in the first round as Lima’s team threw in the towel.
Looking Ahead: Potential Matchups
With this victory, the boxing community is now eager to see what Ennis does next. There have been calls for a showdown with Vergil Ortiz, a strong contender in the same weight class. Promoter Hearn mentioned that Ennis had been ready to face Ortiz repeatedly but claimed Ortiz had been avoiding the confrontation. If Ortiz overcomes his next opponent, a match with Ennis may finally happen.
Future Excitement and Challenges
Post-fight, Ennis expressed his intentions to face Ortiz, stating, “I did what I had to do.” Should Ortiz falter or continue to evade Ennis, the latter may set his sights on Sebastian Fundora, a tall contender known for his unique jab. The contrasting styles of Ennis and Fundora could lead to an electrifying bout that fans would eagerly anticipate.
