Jaron Ennis has dazzled in the professional ranks, recently defeating Eimantas Stanionis to become the unified IBF and WBA welterweight champion. Speculation was rife before that fight, and it has continued, with many wondering whether “Boots” will move up to 154lbs. His promoter, Eddie Hearn has now confirmed to FightHype.com that Ennis will be moving up.
Jaron Ennis: Eddie Hearn Confirms ‘Boots’ Will Move up to 154
Speculation Over As Jaron Ennis Targets New Division
Ennis faced plenty of criticism following his pedestrian, yet comfortable win over Karen Chukhadzhian. Many doubted the Philadelphia native when he faced Stanionis, but “Boots” produced a career-best performance, winning by sixth-round stoppage.
Ennis has been linked with potential unification bouts with Brian Norman Jr and Mario Barrios, but these negotiations have seemingly failed, and Ennis will move up to 154 to chase down the biggest fights. When speaking to FighHype, Hearn said: “Boots is moving up. Unfortunately, after the Stanionis fight, he had his team around him — the doctors, the tests — and what they’re basically saying is, ‘Boots is underperforming to his capabilities.’”
Recently, Brian Norman Jr spoke to Fight Hub TV and gave his version of events why the unification fight with “Boots” has never happened: No, it was definitely the funds. It was definitely that money. He (Eddie Hearn) was just trying to downplay us. Like, the initial offer was 700k.
“And I believe Stanionis’ first offer was 1.5 (million) or something like that,” said Norman.
“(Mario) Barrios was even higher than that, I believe. So it’s just like ‘How you just going to downplay me‘, and I’m just all the way down here for it. So, obviously, you’re not even trying to make the fight happen to begin with.”
Jaron Ennis at 154lbs
There are plenty of big fights available for “Boots” Ennis at 154lbs, with Sebastian Fundora and Bakhram Murtazaliev among the possible options. A potential showdown with Yoenis Tellez for the WBA interim super welterweight title is another realistic option for the Philadelphia native.
Whatever happened for “Boots” at 154, this looks set to be a new journey full of big fights and plenty of opportunities.
