Is Boots Struggling to Make Weight?
By: Eddie Sanchez
Jaron “Boots” Ennis faced off with Uisma Lima ahead of this weekend’s WBA junior middleweight interim title fight. Some have expressed concern as Boots appeared noticeably drained during his face-off.
The fight marks Boots’ debut at 154 pounds after moving up in weight following his victory over Eimantas Stanionis in April. That win allowed Boots to unify at 147, adding the WBA belt to his IBF title. Just as it seemed he was gearing up to pursue undisputed status at welterweight, Boots decided to move up amid reports that he could no longer perform at his best while making 147.
Those reports suggested Boots had been struggling to make the welterweight limit. But his appearance at 154 has raised new questions. If Boots looks drained even at junior middleweight, it may indicate his frame is still growing, or that his body is already pushing toward higher divisions.
The Philadelphia fighter has previously expressed interest in eventually chasing titles at 154, 160, and even 168 pounds, and there seems to be great(er) opportunity north of 154.
His promoter, Eddie Hearn, remains confident that the move to 154 will bring out the best in “Boots,” expecting stronger performances as he adjusts to the new division. However, with Terence Crawford fresh off his 168-pound debut and a potential three-belt unification between Janibek Alimkhanuly and Erislandy Lara reportedly close to being finalized at 160, Ennis’ stay at junior middleweight could be a brief one.
With rumors swirling that Terence Crawford could move down to 160 in pursuit of a sixth division title and a potential fourth undisputed crown, Boots may view WBC middleweight champion Carlos Adames as a strong future opponent — one that could position him to eventually chase Crawford. For now, Ennis will have his hands full this weekend, but with so much movement in the divisions around him, a victory could leave him with plenty to consider about his next steps.
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