Imagine stepping into the ring as an undefeated boxing phenom and dismantling your opponent in under two minutes—that's the sheer dominance Jaron 'Boots' Ennis just unleashed, leaving fans buzzing about what's next in the super welterweight division. If you're new to boxing, this kind of quick finish isn't just exciting; it's a statement of power and precision that can shift the entire landscape of a weight class.
By Andreas Hale | October 11, 2025, 11:40 PM ET
Andreas Hale brings his passion for combat sports to ESPN as a dedicated reporter covering everything from MMA and boxing to professional wrestling. When he's not chasing the latest fight news, you'll find him unwinding with video games, diving deep into his favorite music tracks, or cheering on his beloved Chicago White Sox and San Francisco 49ers. As a host on Sirius XM's Fight Nation, he shares insider insights with listeners worldwide. Before ESPN, Andreas honed his skills as a senior writer for DAZN and Sporting News. His journey began in music journalism, contributing to respected platforms like HipHopDX, The Grammys, and Jay-Z's Life+Times. Adding to his impressive resume, he's an NAACP Image Award-nominated filmmaker, recognized for producing the heartfelt animated short 'Bridges' in 2024.
In a blistering display at the Wells Fargo Center in his native Philadelphia, Jaron 'Boots' Ennis wasted no time in his debut at the 154-pound junior middleweight division—often called super welterweight for beginners—dropping Uisma Lima twice and prompting a first-round stoppage just two minutes into the bout. For those unfamiliar, a 'stoppage' means the referee ends the fight early to protect a fighter who's taking too much punishment, ensuring safety in this intense sport.
What looked like a lopsided matchup on paper turned into an even more one-sided affair inside the ropes. Ennis, now boasting a perfect record of 35-0 with 31 knockouts, overwhelmed Lima from the opening bell. As a former welterweight champion who's mastered the art of switch-hitting—meaning he can seamlessly throw punches from both orthodox and southpaw stances, confusing opponents with his versatility—he quickly established himself as the interim WBA junior middleweight titleholder. Lima, with a 14-2 record and 10 knockouts, simply couldn't keep up against this elite talent who had all the tools to dominate.
Reflecting on his performance, Ennis shared, 'I handled business exactly as needed. Now that I'm competing at 154 pounds, I've made my presence felt—let's hear those big names step up.'
The action kicked off with both fighters trading left hooks, but Ennis surged ahead, landing a vicious left hook to Lima's head followed by a flurry of punches that sent his opponent crashing to the canvas for the first knockdown. Shaken but resilient, Lima rose to his feet, only for Ennis to press the attack relentlessly. He unleashed another barrage targeting Lima's head and body, dropping him once more. Lima staggered up again, but with no real defense left, a final devastating combination forced the referee to intervene at the 1:58 mark, sparing Lima further damage. It's moments like these that highlight why boxing demands not just skill but also heart—Lima showed grit by standing up twice, but against Ennis's firepower, it wasn't enough.
Ennis didn't hold back post-fight, declaring, 'I've delivered a clear warning to the division. Everyone knows the score, and they know exactly who I'm targeting.'
But here's where it gets controversial: This victory paves the way for a dream matchup against undefeated interim WBC champion Vergil Ortiz Jr., who's set to battle Erickson Rubin on November 8. The two were rumored for a clash earlier this year, but it fell through, leaving fans frustrated. Ennis faced some backlash for choosing Lima as his opponent—critics pointed out that Lima's career lacked high-caliber fights, making this seem like an easy tune-up rather than a true test. And this is the part most people miss: While it might look like cherry-picking to some, for a fighter like Ennis building momentum at a new weight, it's a smart, calculated move to stay sharp without unnecessary risks. Now, with that behind him, Ennis is confident nothing will block a showdown with Ortiz in 2026.
'It's happening next,' Ennis asserted, challenging the top names at 154 pounds. 'I get that [Ortiz] has his upcoming bout to focus on. My top choice is Vergil Ortiz, but if he's not game, I'm ready for Jermell Charlo, Sebastian Fundora, or Xander Zayas. No one's off-limits. This entire division belongs to me.'
Ennis's bold claim raises eyebrows— is he truly ready to conquer the super welterweight elite, or is the hype outpacing the reality? We've seen dominant performances like this before, but sustaining it against proven champions like Ortiz or Charlo could be a whole different story. What do you think: Does Ennis deserve an immediate shot at Ortiz, or should he face more seasoned foes first to silence the doubters? Drop your thoughts in the comments—agree, disagree, or share your dream matchup!
