Atlanta, GA- This past Saturday I was thrilled about this fight all day. Honestly, I couldn’t wait to see how Jaron “Boots” Ennis (35-0 31KO,s) would look making his debut at 154 pounds against Usima Lima (14-2 10 KO’s). The anticipation built up, and after waiting all day, it all ended in dramatic fashion, a first-round knockout. A lot of boxing fans criticized Ennis for taking this fight. Many felt he should be facing tougher competition, especially given how dominant he’s been in recent years. On the other hand, some believed Lima would be a solid test for Ennis in his first fight at the higher weight class.
Well, depending on how you look at it, Boots proved a lot of people wrong. That first-round knockout showed that he’s simply on another level. Sure, the opponent might not have been elite, but when a fighter moves up in weight, it’s fair to give him a tune-up bout to see how his power and speed carry. Ennis passed that test with flying colors.
What impressed me even more was his post-fight interview. Boots confidently called out the entire 154-pound division, making it clear that his goal is to become the undisputed champion. That kind of mindset paired with his skill and athleticism makes him one of the most exciting young stars in the sport.
So, what’s next for Boots Ennis?
Enter Virgil Ortiz Jr. That’s the fight boxing fans have been waiting for. Ortiz is a fearless, heavy-handed fighter who won’t back down from anyone. A showdown between Ennis and Ortiz would not only test Ennis’s greatness but also tell us if he’s truly on the path to becoming a global superstar in boxing. If Ennis continues to perform like he did Saturday night, that superstar status might come sooner than we think.
