With his arms folded, Jaron “Boots” Ennis stared at Uisma Lima, his most recent opponent, across the table, informing him that their boxing match would not last long.
“In and out like a robbery,” Ennis, 28, stated with a smirk.
In boxing, confidence is essential – a fighter must have faith in their ability to defeat their opponent, regardless of the circumstances. However, Ennis, a Philadelphia native, appeared to be very confident at that time. Although he was a significant favorite, this was his first match in the 154-pound junior middleweight division.
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However, he proved every word, twice knocking down Lima before securing a first-round stoppage to win the interim WBA junior middleweight title on Oct. 11 in his hometown. It’s difficult to lack confidence when you are an undefeated boxer who has knocked out all but four of your 35 professional opponents (35-0).
But for Ennis, being on the canvas with the ropes and gloves feels completely natural. There’s comfort in it because it’s a family tradition, after all.
“I think just being around the boxing scene for so long and watching my brothers grow up, I had a general idea of what to expect,” Ennis told Fox News Digital in a recent interview conducted in New York City. “I understood what was happening. So, no matter where I am, whether it’s in the ring or giving interviews, I’m always at ease. I have a tendency to see everything coming – I’ve experienced it before.”
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In Philadelphia, the last name Ennis has a strong reputation in the boxing world. It begins with Derek “Bozy” Ennis, “Boots'” father and trainer, who, naturally, was harder on his son than on his other clients.
“It’s expected because he’s aware of my capabilities,” “Boots” commented regarding his father’s coaching. “I have to deliver, so that’s what I concentrate on. I don’t take my dad’s criticisms personally; in fact, they inspire me to keep going.”
“Boots” continued by saying that he favors tough love, stating, “I prefer not to have any yes-men around me.” He is interested in learning what he is doing well or poorly.
However, his brothers also established the groundwork for that. Derek “Pooh” Ennis and Farah “The Quiet Storm” Ennis, both professional fighters with high expectations, never competed for a world title like their younger brother.
“We are very encouraging of one another. They simply showed the way,” “Boots” stated of his brothers’ impact on him. “They demonstrated what to do and what not to do, and I simply followed their advice, always keeping in shape and prepared. You never know when you’ll get that call. That is why I make an effort to stay in shape and lead a healthy lifestyle outside of boxing, in case I need to respond to a call and be prepared.”
So, ever since he was a young child, “Boots” spent time at his father’s gym watching, learning, and developing an understanding of the requirements for competing at the highest level.
“I’ve witnessed everything, so I understand what it takes,” “Boots” stated. “I am aware of how everything works, and I have confidence because I put in the effort. I am aware of my capabilities and what I have accomplished, and I am confident that no one can defeat me. I’m in good condition, I do everything correctly, and I don’t cut corners. My training camps are usually successful, which is definitely the source of my confidence.”
Even though it was “Boots'” third time fighting in the South Philly arena earlier this month, he saw his first-round knockout of Lima as a “full-circle moment” because of the importance of this fight, even though Lima wasn’t the most well-known name in the sport. It was “Boots'” first fight in a new division after previously holding both the IBF and WBA titles as the unified welterweight champion before moving up to junior middleweight.
He has been preparing his entire life to reach this point in the sport, where his name is mentioned in some capacity in the esteemed “best pound-for-pound” debate. And he is unconcerned about the pressure or expectation, particularly given his family’s involvement in the sport.
That was demonstrated by his renowned confidence, which was not too subdued following the fight, as he challenged those in his new weight class, notably Vergil Ortiz Jr., the WBC interim champion.
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“I want to defeat them one by one. I want to demonstrate to everyone why I am the greatest in the world,” he stated.
The conversation about pound-for-pound typically revolves around Terence “Bud” Crawford, particularly after he defeated Canelo Álvarez to win the title of undisputed super middleweight champion. He became the first male fighter in the four-belt era to win undisputed titles in three different weight divisions, which is precisely what “Boots” is aiming for.
In fact, some people compare “Boots” to Crawford, but the former dislikes it. Not because he disrespects Crawford’s fighting style, but rather because he believes they are two distinct people.
“We are completely different fighters. I dislike it when people compare me to him because we don’t fight alike at all. He has his own style, and I have mine,” “Boots” stated.
If there is one aspect of Crawford that “Boots” wishes to be compared to, it is their legacy in boxing. Crawford is nearing the end of his career, while “Boots” is at his peak. The potential exists to be the best pound-for-pound fighter in the sport, and “Boots” is confident that the conversation will grow as he progresses through the 154-pound class.
“As I’ve said, I want my legacy to be that of a multi-division champion, and I want to prove to the world that I am truly him. And I will,” he declared. “We started at [147 pounds] and I was the lineal champion at 147 – I’m in the history books at 147. Now, we’re at 154 now, and we just keep going. 154, 160 and possibly 168.”
When asked if he thinks he will ever reach the level of best pound-for-pound boxer, “Boots” simply said, “Facts.” Again, the quiet confidence was evident in his smile.
However, the weight of those expectations can be overwhelming for the fighter who carries them. However, “Boots” possesses the talent and support system required to complete that arduous journey, which includes his mother, who he claims will do whatever it takes to help him achieve his dream.
“Family is the most important thing. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them,” he remarked. “My brothers and father paved the way for me, as did my mother. They taught me what to do and what not to do, as well as things like that. And to treat people the way you want to be treated. That is how I conduct myself.”
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