Ennis Back In The Gym – What’s Next?

Originally posted on BoxingNews.com | Last updated Jul 29, 2025 3:52 AM ET

Jaron Ennis is back in the gym as he prepares for his highly anticipated debut in the junior middleweight division.

The undefeated Ennis (34-0, 30 KOs) last fought at welterweight, where he dominated Eimantas Stanionis to unify the titles. Following that win, Ennis decided to move up in weight to 154 and signed a new multi-fight deal with Matchroom Boxing, having already defeated David Avanesyan, Karen Chukhadzhian, and Stanionis under their banner.

“Working with Eddie and Matchroom is just a great connection, I love how they’re willing to do whatever it takes to make me a superstar. I’m ready to get going at 154lbs and I am hunting the big names and the belts; now it’s time to shut everybody up,” Ennis said

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While Ennis previously had ambitions to become undisputed at 147, the weight cut meant he was not able to perform at his peak. With his move to 154 now official, talks have already begun about possible opponents. Hearn has mentioned a potential showdown with WBC Interim Junior Middleweight Champion Vergil Ortiz Jr., while former welterweight champion Keith Thurman has also publicly called for the fight.

Another possible name in the mix is former WBO titleholder Tim Tszyu, who is coming off a recent loss. Ennis, currently easing back into camp, was seen in a recent clip doing light sparring as he sets his sights on winning a belt in a second weight class. Hearn expects the Ortiz fight to happen soon.

“We were asked to make that fight on August 16th, which we accepted it. They said Vergil wasn’t ready. Then they said they want to do the fight on November 22nd. We’ve already got a fight for Boots planned at the end of September or early October.

“We will fight Vergil Ortiz, but he [Ennis] will have that one [tune-up] fight at 154, which isn’t unreasonable. This fight is going to get bigger and bigger. I don’t like to marinate fights, but these two are great undefeated fighters. The fight is going to get bigger and bigger. You don’t have to wait too long for that fight,” Hearn said

This article first appeared on BoxingNews.com and was syndicated with permission.

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