Ennis Moves Up In Philly

Image Credit: Emma Brawley/Matchroom Boxing

PHILADELPHIA, PA — Jaron “Boots” Ennis achieved a mission and had a successful defense of his welterweight title in April, six rounds worth of handling Eimantas Stanionis at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey. His promoter Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing said the champion will eventually be considered a top pound-for-pound fighter.

True statement because Ennis (34-0, 30 KO’s) is 28-years-old. He has a powerful punch and quickness that disposes of opponents, just ask Stanionis who quickly hit the canvas. Ask anyone who knows boxing and they say the Philadelphia, Pa. native comes from that special breed of champions in a city known for a Rocky statue with an illustrious history of Boxing Hall of Fame champions.

But Ennis was not content at 147 lbs, and Hearn made his case. Time to move on at junior middleweight (154) as his debut in the weight class comes Saturday evening, taking on Angola, Portugal resident Uisma Lima (14-1, 10 KO’s) at the Xfinity Mobile Arena in a 12-round bout, streamed live worldwide on DAZN.

Ennis, though, has that ability to achieve greatness, his belief to also go beyond the 154-pound division and gain another title either as a middleweight or at 168. During his reign at welterweight, Ennis reiterated after his last fight that moving up to 154 was on the horizon.

He wanted to challenge interim champion Vergil Ortiz Jr. and that fight could not be made. With Hearn and Matchroom, the weight is not important. The challenges are significant and Lima accepted despite fighting in a venue that will be all about Ennis. Hearn after the Stanionis fight was intent on continuing to showcase Ennis in the city of Brotherly Love.

Lima is talented but has not been tested to this extent, confident though he will take the WBA Super Welterweight title. The task is simple, stay with Ennis and avoid a devastating punch. Though the fight is not in the mega-magnitude or hype of the recent Terence Crawford-Canelo Alvarez encounter, there is interest.

Interest and plenty of buzz in Philadelphia. Ennis in another homecoming and attempting to become a two-division champion. He has the popularity and perhaps will also have a statute of his own and a career ending Hall of Fame induction.

“I’m glad he (Lima) accepted the fight,” said Ennis this week. “And appreciate you for it. But you’ll see me on Saturday night and you all know my slogan. That slogan has always been a statement of him being in and the opponent is out like a robbery.”

Except this is not going to be a robbery, Lima has traveled far and come to fight. Ennis is taking this challenge as a next step in a division that is always a topic of conversation in boxing circles.

“We train for this moment and these events,” Lima said. “And we have put in the camp of our lives for this fight. I’m in the best shape of my life. I’m ready for this fight. I come into this fight with zero fear.”

Lima is fast, has good footwork, and strength, all attributes he admits are strengths facing Ennins. He admits, too, “I can do everything he can do.”

Though there should be some intimidation, because facing Ennis in the ring is looking at a determined fighter that can quickly end an outcome. He can also adjust and three of his last fights have gone the 12-round distance with a devastating right. Lima has stopped four of his last opponents, two going the 12 and eight round distance and fights out of the southpaw stance, adjusting for Ennis will also be important.

Lima has been in the ring 15-times and this is his first in the United States, relatively unknown but now in the spotlight fighting for an interim belt.

“You know, he’s going to get exactly what he is looking for,” Ennis says about Lima. “Thats’s an early night. I’m gonna have some fun and I’m going to show up. I’m not here to play games. I know what he is going to bring to the table.”

Boxing does have its share of controversy and upsets, Lima could throw a punch, though Ennis with his style also has a good defensive style. Of course he will have fun and the hometown crowd gives that extra edge. If anything, Lima will feel intimated because Ennis fans are loud from the opening bell.

Said Ennis “He is going to know I’m a lot faster, slicker, and stronger. He’s about to fight in front of my fans in Philly, it’s a whole different energy and vibe.”

TOWERING INFERNO VS. THURMAN POSTPONED: It happens in boxing often, then again injuries are a part of the game. Mexican American and WBC Super Welterweight champion Sebastian Fundora sustained a hand injury in training camp and his title defense versus Keith Thurman has been postponed.

On Friday, the anticipated fight and entire boxing card was postponed for another date that was scheduled for Saturday, October 25th at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, promoted by the PBC on Prime pay-per-view.

For Fundora (23-1-1, 15 KO’s), this was supposed to be his third fight this year, winning the title with a decision over Tim Tszyu and also this year, scored a knockdown in a rematch. Ironically, it was Fundora who stepped in for an injured Thurman and won the title.

Thurman, (36-1, 23 KO’s) was looking at a second junior middleweight title last and has one fight since 2022. PBC and Fundora’s management said they are eyeing a rescheduled date for January.

Rich Mancuso is a senior writer and columnist at LatinoSports.com – X: @Ring786, Facebook.com/Rich Mancuso

Keep It In The Ring with Rich and Tommy D live 8pm ET Thursday evening’s latest boxing and pro wrestling analysis and more. Like, comment, subscribe to Rich Mancuso @YouTube

Follow us on Social Media for updates and exclusive content

Instagram: @latinosportsoficial

Facebook: Latino Sports

Twitter: @latinosports