Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis’ determination to remain at 147 relatively than go as much as 154 to face WBC interim champion Vergil Ortiz Jr is predicated on his hopes that his promoter, Eddie Hearn, will ultimately line him up for unification fights in opposition to the opposite three champions.
His Excellency Turki Alalshikh mentioned he tried to place the battle between Ennis and Vergil Ortiz collectively, however he couldn’t do it. He says that Boots “Modified his thoughts.”
Hearn isn’t saying who Ennis might battle subsequent when he returns to the ring within the first half of 2025, however it gained’t be in opposition to any of the champions at 147. Ennis will wind up making one other title protection in opposition to a contender in a battle that followers have little curiosity in seeing.
Figuring out how Hearn operates, he’ll match Boots Ennis in opposition to certainly one of these fighters for his subsequent protection in April or Might 2025:
– Lewis Crocker
– Paddy Donovan
– Ekow Essuman
– Pat McCormack
Boots appears to be heading in the identical route as former Hearn fighter Demetrius Andrade, who was matched in opposition to lackluster opposition in his three-fight stint with Matchroom. When Ennis’ contract is up with Hearn, it’s predictable that it gained’t be renewed.
Reputation Plunge
These aren’t fights that may curiosity followers, however Hearn wouldn’t need to pay so much to get any of these fighters to conform to battle Boots. It could be a distinct story if Hearn tried to arrange a unification battle for Ennis at 147 as a result of the champions would need some huge cash because of the excessive danger {that a} battle of that nature would carry.
Ennis’ recognition is at an all-time low after he selected to not transfer as much as face Ortiz (22-0, 21 KOs) on the February twenty second card.
It doesn’t look promising for Boots (33-0, 29 KOs) that Hearn will be capable to ship any unification fights for him at welterweight as a result of he’s somebody to keep away from in the division. Ennis is NOT common, lacks character, and isn’t combating the kind of opposition that may enhance his notoriety.
“He gave us his phrase and adjusted his thoughts final minute,” mentioned His Excellency Turki Alalshikh to Ariel Helani’s channel, speaking about Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis not wanting to maneuver as much as 154 for a battle in opposition to Vergil Ortiz Jr.
Ennis ought to have realized from Hearn’s failure to arrange the unification battle with WBO welterweight champion Brian Norman Jr. that he doesn’t have a lot likelihood to get the matches he desires at 147.
With out Turki’s involvement in fights at 147, Boots is nowhere to go as a result of Hearn isn’t going to wish to overpay the opposite belt-holders. Turki desires huge fights, and not one of the champions at 147 are common sufficient for a match in opposition to Ennis to create any demand. He’s fascinated with Ennis difficult Vergil Ortiz Jr, however there’s nothing he can do if he doesn’t really feel as much as it.
A “Unhealthy Look” For Boots
“Hearn mentioned he’s not going to battle in February. He’s going to need to be pushed into April or into Might,” mentioned Chris Mannix on his channel, speaking about ‘Boots’ Ennis’ subsequent battle in 2025.
“That doesn’t make any sense. It’s not like he could be shifting as much as battle this career-long junior middleweight [Vergil Jr]. He could be shifting as much as battle a former 147-pounder that he’s been speaking about combating anyway.
“He’s [Ortiz Jr] not appeared infallible. He beat Serhii Bohachuk however received dropped twice in that battle. In the event you made Vergil in opposition to Boots, I’d favor Boots. Not by a ton, however I’d favor him early on in that battle. It appears to be like like a duck.
It’s uncertain that Boots can beat Vergil Jr. He clearly is aware of that himself, so he balked on the concept of shifting as much as 154 to problem Vergil Jr.
The best way Ennis appeared in opposition to Karen Chukhadzhian, Roiman Villa, and David Avanesyan, he’s not going to beat Ortiz Jr.
“You wish to preserve your [IBF welterweight] belt. You simply did a compulsory title protection in opposition to Chukhadzhian. You possibly can preserve the belt, transfer as much as 154, take a battle, and if it doesn’t work out for you, drop again down and defend your title,” mentioned Mannix.
“I do know guys, as soon as they transfer up, they actually don’t like to maneuver down. Boots continues to be younger sufficient to probably transfer again down in weight. None of this makes any sense, and it’s a nasty look general for Boots Ennis,” mentioned Mannix.
