Boxing’s welterweight division is full of young and talented stars. From champions Errol Spence Jr. and Terence Crawford to Vergil Ortiz Jr., there are plenty of high-profile fights to make in the division.
Already in the mix, 25-year-old Jaron Ennis is ready to take over. He must first get over a few hurdles in his way.
“Boots” has been a patient man as he waits, along with fight fans, to see if Spence and Crawford fight one another to determine an undisputed welterweight champion. Negotiations have stalled since contract negotiations fell apart towards the end of 2022. Crawford fought David Avanesyan in December instead of Spence, while Spence may fight Keith Thurman.
Given his raw talent, Ennis believes he is next in line for the throne. He is ready to step up if Spence vs. Crawford is still in limbo.
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“They (Spence and Crawford) got to get that over with now,” Ennis told The Sporting News. “They got to fight because they are holding up the division. Hopefully, they do fight. If not, I’m here. I want to fight both of those guys. I feel like it can get done, but if it don’t, I’m here.”
First, “Boots” must get past Ukrainian boxer Karen Chukhadzhian on January 7. Inside Washington, D.C.’s Capital One Arena, the interim IBF welterweight title is on the line. While he hasn’t seen any footage of the man with 11 wins via knockout (his team does that), Ennis is not looking past Chukhadzhian. He is treating this true challenge like any other fight.
A 2015 Golden Gloves gold medalist, “Boots” has not lost a fight since making his debut in 2016. He had his first major shot at gold in 2020 when he fought Chris van Heerden for the IBO welterweight title. The fight was deemed a no-contest when van Heerden suffered a cut from an accidental head clash in the first round. Since then, Ennis has won three straight bouts via knockout.
Derrick “Bozy” Ennis, Jarron's father and trainer, has been a major influence on the young fighter. The two are a dominant unit, working towards the common goal of boxing nirvana.
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“My dad, we work on all aspects of the game,” Ennis stated. “Everything: jabbing, defense. Every camp, we just do everything, so it’s not one particular thing I could just pick up.”
Ennis’ confidence is other-worldly. Speaking to reporters before fight night, Ennis said he’s “the best fighter in the world. Period.” He believes a clash against Spence is a no-brainer if he beats Chukhadzhian. As far as how a fight against "The Truth" would go?
“I love it, let’s make it happen! We want that fight, we want to make it happen,” Ennis stated. “I’ll come out on top, victorious.”