Jaron Ennis Interview Gets Testy After Controversial Question

Ennis's record is unblemished, a perfect 34-0 with 30 knockouts, which speaks to his dominance throughout his career. Yet, a closer look reveals a resume curiously devoid of the defining names that cement a legacy, a fact that gives fuel to the steadily-growing criticism. 

In an interview on Inside The Ring, boxing journalist Max Kellerman asked him about this criticism ahead of his fight against Lima.

“I ain’t got nothing to say,” Ennis responded. “We're gonna bring them in one by one. We're gonna shut everybody up. Everybody, be patient. Make sure y’all tune in Saturday, and we’re gonna take it from there.” 

Watch the full interview here:

His opponent, Uisma Lima, steps into the ring as a significant underdog, and for good reason. The 32-year-old Angolan, while riding the momentum of a knockout win over Shervantaigh Koopman in May, sits at just no. 8 in the WBA rankings. On paper, he appears to be precisely the kind of opponent Ennis is expected to dismantle with ease. A win for Ennis is simply the minimum requirement in the eyes of his doubters. 

Some, like whoever runs the social media account AccordingToBoxing and shared the interview clip, still think Boots has no right to be telling fans to be patient for a big fight.

Some responses on X (formerly Twitter) to the interview clip online believe “Boots” is still unproven:

“He's like 34-0, and his resume is very weak. He definitely ticks most of the boxes on the eye test. Just needs to prove it against the best names.” 

“I’m crying god d— how patient we gotta be m- been waiting since 2022 really.”

“Ugly, ugly answer. It’s wild how dude doesn’t have answers for this stuff beforehand. I bet he never gives Max another interview.”

“Mind you he says this before every fight, then the next opponent is always someone nobody knows.”

“Love him or hate him, wish we had more fighters like Devin Haney. Win or lose, he runs straight to the smoke and makes big fights.”

The frustration surrounding this matchup is amplified by the tantalizing opportunities that await in the super welterweight division. At 154 pounds, Ennis is no longer an avoided contender. He is a direct threat in one of boxing's most competitive landscapes.

Fellow boxer Ryan Garcia, who was a guest on Inside The Ring, asked “Boots” on which potential opponent will elevate his status.

Ennis was quick to answer, saying, “Any of the champions. Vergil Ortiz— you know, that’s a superfight. Any of the champions at 154. I’m here to make my mark, and it’s starting this Saturday.” 

This should be welcome news for his critics, who believe he is purposefully avoiding serious competition.

It is also good news for his fellow super welterweight contemporaries, like the young and hungry Xander Zayas, who named “Boots” as one of his top three desired opponents. 

At 28 years old, Ennis still has some time to shore up any defensive holes in his game, and secure a fight against a proven name. The pressure is on this Saturday for "Boots" to win in a fashion that silences the growing doubters and proves he is ready for the sport's pinnacle.