Making 147 pounds had become a challenge for Jaron Ennis, stopping him from performing at his best. Moving to 154 became inevitable, and that’s exactly what ‘Boots’ did tonight at the newly-branded Xfinity Mobile Arena. Making his junior middleweight debut on Saturday night against Uisma Lima, the 28-year-old didn’t waste much time. 

The Philadelphia native stopped the come-forward Lima in his tracks, securing a first-round knockout win at 1:58 to become the WBA interim junior middleweight champion. After the fight concluded, the undefeated switch-hitter quickly came up with various names in the division to express his intentions going forward. 

Jaron Ennis puts Vergil Ortiz Jr., Jermell Charlo, and others on notice

“I knew what I had to do,” Ennis told Chris Mannix after the fight. “I already knew [how strong] I was, it was that time to go [at 147]. I stayed behind the jab, and I touched to the body. I think he was trying to be smart, because he didn’t want to get caught early. I felt way better, felt phenomenal, rejuvenated, excited to train. I sent a big message.”

When asked about a potential showdown with the undefeated Vergil Ortiz Jr., Ennis didn’t hesitate. “It’s going to happen next,” he said confidently. Ortiz is currently scheduled to face Erickson Lubin on November 8. The two rising stars were previously linked to a fight earlier this year, but the matchup never materialized. 

Now, with Jaron Ennis having dispatched Lima in dominant fashion, he’s ready to take on anyone. “I know [Ortiz] is focused on his fight,” Ennis continued. “I want Vergil Ortiz next, but if he doesn’t want it, I’d fight [Jermell] Charlo, [Sebastian] Fundora, or Xander [Zayas]. Anybody can get it. This division is mine.”

Fundora recently sustained a hand injury during training, forcing the postponement of his highly anticipated bout against Keith Thurman. Meanwhile, news of Ennis’ dominant victory spread rapidly throughout the boxing world. Source of Boxing tweeted, “Jaron Ennis 𝐊𝐍𝐎𝐂𝐊𝐒 𝐎𝐔𝐓 Uisma Lima in round 1 to improve his record to a perfect 35-0,” sparking a wave of reactions from fans.

Terence Crawford asked to be added to the hit list

One user praised Ennis for the performance. “Easy work! Ennis should be on everyone’s p4p list,” the user claimed. However, he faced criticism for fighting Lima, who has yet to face top-tier opponents. 

This user demanded a fight between Ennis and Fundora. “Nah, I need boots and fundora…I’m trying to see something,” the user commented. However, with Fundora’s hand injury, he is out for the time being. 

Meanwhile, this user wanted Ennis to fight Terence Crawford. “Crawford vs Boots 👢 make it happen,” the user wrote. The fight was possible when they were both in the welterweight division. However, now that Crawford has moved to super middleweight, it seems unlikely. 

While Ennis found praise, he also faced criticism. “Beat a Bottom feeder, calm down,” one user remarked. The fight was likely to build Ennis’ confidence in the division. 

The next user was left stunned by Ennis’ performance. “Boots beat the laces off of Lima,” the user wrote. It would be interesting to see who he faces next.

Clearly, while Jaron Ennis’ win was dominant, there’s much left to be desired from the 28-year-old. Whether or not he decides to fulfill these wishes is yet to be seen. But if it were up to you, who would you want him to fight?