Jaron Ennis shares his honest take on Vergil Ortiz Jr’s best attribute

On October 11, live from the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, PA, Jaron Ennis made a successful debut at super welterweight, stopping Uisama Lima in the first round.

Ennis dispatched an inferior opponent in style, and attention quickly turned to who would be next for “Boots,” with Ennis calling out many rivals in the ring. In an interview with Card Player, the Philadelphia native discussed wanting to face Ortiz next and revealed what he believes to be his rival’s best attribute.

Jaron Ennis eyes Vergil Ortiz Jr next and reveals rival’s key trait

Ennis started fast against Lima (14-2, 10 KOs), knocking his rival down twice, before the referee waved it off amid another barrage from Ennis. He was expected to win, and he did in an impressive manner.

Immediately after his debut win at 154, Ennis said:

“I knew what I had to do,” Ennis said. “I already knew [how strong] I was; it was that time to go [at 147]. I stayed behind the jab, and I touched to the body. I think he was trying to be smart, because he didn’t want to get caught early. I felt way better, felt phenomenal, rejuvenated, excited to train. I sent a big message.”

Reflecting on a potential fight against Ortiz, Ennis (35-0, 31 KOs) said: “I did my part.”

“Ortiz has got a fight in November. If he’s successful, that’s who’s next,” said Ennis.

When discussing Ortiz’s strengths, Ennis revealed he believes his rival only has one key attribute:

“He’s a good fighter,” says Ennis of Ortiz (23-0, 21 KOs). “His best trait is probably that when he comes forward, he brings pressure. That’s about 

it.”

Eddie Hearn delivers the highest praise for Jaron Ennis

Ennis’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, made it clear how highly he rates Jaron Ennis when speaking to The Stomping Ground:

“You can try and downplay it, but I don’t give a f**k, Jaron “Boots” Ennis is the best fighter in boxing today. I keep saying about Vergil (Ortiz). I respect those guys. I love Robert Garcia. The same thing will happen to Vergil Ortiz. It might take a few rounds longer, but he will absolutely slice him up.”

Ennis has shown the ability he has, but now it’s time for him to take that step up and back up Hearn’s claim that he is indeed the best fighter in boxing.