Former unified welterweight world champion Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis (34-0 30 KOs) believes the best way to make a statement to his new 154lb division rivals is with a big knockout win over Uisma Lima (14-1 10 KOs) on Saturday October 11 at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, live worldwide on DAZN.
However, that isn't his main goal in his super-welterweight debut, he revealed to Matchroom’s Flash Knockdown podcast, “I’m ready to make a big statement in the 154 division.
“With the extra seven pounds, I’m feeling great. Every time I want to put on a better performance.
“A statement is a knockout, but the main goal is to have fun and put on a show. As long as I look good there’s nothing to worry about.”
The 28-year-old southpaw is putting the finishing touches on his training camp for his first fight up at super-welterweight, where he takes on Angolan danger man Uisma Lima in a final eliminator for the WBA 154lbs world title.
He previewed his opponent, “What I’ve seen with Lima, he comes forward and throws a lot of punches, whatever he brings I’ll be ready. My mindset that I’ve picked up is that every fight needs to be locked in. I’m treating him like a big name.”
Ennis is now back home in Philly after training and sparring with Canelo Alvarez in Lake Tahoe, California.
The Philadelphian lifted the lid on his sparring sessions with four-weight ruler, Canelo, “It was great being around Canelo. He’s a cool guy, but it was for me to get out of Philly and get my mind right and on point to continue camp.”
Trained by his father, Bozy Ennis, the undefeated American has made the move to 154lbs after unifying the welterweight division in April 2025 when he forced Eimantas Stanionis to retire after six punishing rounds in Atlantic City, and now the Matchroom Boxing star is ready to take that power to a new weight class to start on the path to becoming a two-weight world champion.
It’s a big night for Boots as a fighter, but also as a promoter, as two of his young charges are set to share the stage with the headliner.
Tahmir Smalls (15-0 11 KOs) fights for his first title in the paid ranks as he meets Jose Roman (14-1 6 KOs) for the WBA Continental North American welterweight belt, while Dennis Thompson (7-0 5 KOs) takes on unbeaten Sean Diaz (9-0 2 KOs) over six rounds at super-bantamweight.
Ennis is thrilled to share the spotlight with them both, “Tahmir Smalls has been with me since he was little,” said Ennis. “It’s his first belt, I’m proud of him. I’m using my platform to give these guys the opportunity.
“Dennis Thompson is young, hungry. He’s getting better with each and every fight. He keeps showing that no one can mess with him. It’s his first undefeated opponent.
“It’s everything fighting at home in Philly. It’s a different type of pressure for other fighters to come and fight me there.”
The co-main event sees Khalil Coe (10-1-1 8 KOs) and Jesse Hart (31-3 25 KOs) lock horns for Coe’s USWBC light-heavyweight title.
Alexis Barriere (12-0 10 KOs) fights for his first pro title against Guido Vianello (13-3-1 11 KOs) for the WBC Continental Americas heavyweight belt, as Zaquin Moses (4-0 3 KOs) takes on against Antonio Dunton El Jr. (6-4-2 2 KOs) over six rounds at super-featherweight, and Briton Giorgio Visioli (8-0 6 KOs) makes his US debut on the card, taking on James Wilkins (13-3 6 KOs) over eight rounds at super-featherweight.