Jaron Ennis vs Uisma Lima: Preview & Betting Tips

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Jaron “Boots” Ennis returns to the ring on Saturday, at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, taking on Uisma Lima in his long-awaited debut at 154-pounds.

This should be a showcase for one of boxing’s most gifted talents, Ennis (34-0, 30 KO’s), but it’s hard to ignore the growing frustration among fans over Ennis’ level of opposition.

At 28 years old, it’s time for Boots to face real live opponents and Lima (14-1, 10 KO’s) is arguably another pushover. The Albanian-born IBO light-middleweight champion comes in with momentum after beating two previously undefeated prospects, Sukhdeep Singh Bhatti and Shervantaigh Koopman. Though neither are on the level of the American.

Tale of the Tape 

Jaron Ennis – Odds 1.03

Record: 34-0, 30 KO’s

Age: 28

Height: 5ft10

Reach: 74”

Weight: Light-middleweight 

Stance: Switch 

Uisma Lima – Odds 14.00

Record: 14-1, 10 KO’s

Age: 32

Height: 5ft11

Reach: N/A

Weight: Light-middleweight

Stance: Southpaw 

Jaron Ennis vs Uisma Lima: Analysis

Ennis blends slick footwork with combinations, sharp counters, and destructive finishing instincts. He can switch seamlessly between orthodox and southpaw, using angles and upper-body movement to break down opponents. At welterweight, his athleticism and speed have been overwhelming, but moving up to 154-pounds will test how well that explosiveness translates against naturally bigger men.

Lima is a southpaw pressure fighter who likes to make opponents uncomfortable. He’s aggressive, throws looping power shots, and carries respectable pop in both hands. However, Lima’s defence is poor and his head movement is limited. Against a sharp, explosive puncher like Ennis, that could spell trouble.

In his lone defeat, a wide decision to Aaron McKenna, Lima struggled to cut off the ring and was repeatedly punished for coming in on a straight line. This is where “Boots” can do the damage.

Ennis vs Lima: Prediction & Betting Tips

The key question is whether Ennis’ power carries up. At 147, he was a physical bully. At 154, he’ll face opponents who can absorb punishment and punch back with more weight behind them.

As fans, we are right to question the matchmaking throughout Ennis’ career. Ennis has done a lot in his career: unified welterweight titles, built a very strong record, and gained elite status in many eyes. But with 34 fights, being undefeated, and at almost 29, the public wants to see him really tested. Lima doesn’t check all the boxes of a marquee name, and therefore we are still waiting to see “Boots” against a genuine elite fighter.

I honestly cannot see this one going that long. I think it’ll take a couple of rounds for Ennis to find his range and timing before eventually landing something noteworthy and earning a stoppage victory before halfway. 

Jaron Ennis to win in rounds 1-6 at odds of 2.50 is a great play here. It’s plus money, and we have six rounds to get the finish; I think that’s great value personally.