Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis, the IBF welterweight champion, finds himself in a difficult position within the boxing world. Despite his undeniable talent and impressive record of 31-0 with 28 knockouts, Ennis is struggling to secure fights with notable opponents. Top fighters seem to be avoiding him due to the perceived danger he poses to their reputations and careers. This unfortunate reality mirrors the situation Terence Crawford faced earlier in his career, where he also struggled to secure fights with top opposition.
Even Terence Crawford, who recently gained fame with a victory over Errol Spence, is reluctant to face Boots Ennis. Crawford fears that a loss against the 26-year-old rising star could tarnish his newfound popularity and success. Additionally, Teofimo Lopez has expressed a similar sentiment, stating that he is not interested in fighting Ennis due to his lack of popularity. This reluctance from established fighters highlights the challenges Ennis faces in attracting high-caliber opponents.
Boots Ennis’s lack of fame presents a significant barrier to securing meaningful fights in the welterweight division. Without the backing of a prominent promoter like Eddie Hearn at Matchroom or inflated purses from international events, Ennis struggles to attract top talent to face him in the ring. This lack of recognition not only limits Ennis’s opportunities for career-defining fights but also hinders his ability to increase his popularity and fanbase.
In a recent interview, Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis expressed his frustration with the lack of significant call-outs from other fighters in his division. He noted that while no man should fear another man in the ring, the lack of attention from relevant opponents is disheartening. Ennis remains determined to prove himself as a formidable force in the welterweight division, despite the challenges he faces in securing meaningful and high-profile fights.
Currently, Ennis is preparing to defend his IBF title against David Avanesyan on July 13th at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. The fight will be broadcast live on DAZN, providing Ennis with an opportunity to showcase his skills and further solidify his position as a rising star in the boxing world. As Ennis continues to navigate the challenges of recognition and securing quality opponents, his determination and talent remain key assets in his pursuit of success in the sport.