From winning his first belt in Washington, D.C., to delivering a first-round stoppage in his hometown of Philadelphia, Jaron “Boots” Ennis has continued to cement his place as one of boxing’s brightest stars.
The 28-year-old Philadelphia native made his 154-pound debut with a first-round stoppage win over Uisma Lima on Oct. 11, 2025, at the Mobile Day Arena. The victory earned Ennis the WBA interim junior middleweight title and extended his record to 35-0, with 31 knockouts.
“It’s always great to get a big win in front of my friends and family at home,” Ennis told Kelsey Nicole Nelson, host of Listen With KNN here on Fox Sports Radio, during an interview. “The city always comes out no matter who I fight and I appreciate the city always.”
A former unified welterweight champion, Ennis captured the WBA, IBF and Ring Magazine titles earlier this year before moving up in weight. His rise has been intertwined with Matchroom Boxing’s recent surge in the U.S. market, fueled by its global broadcast partnership with DAZN.
“I appreciate everyone in Matchroom and it’s only up from here,” Ennis said. “It’s time to shine, bigger and better fights to come.”
Ennis signed a multi-fight promotional deal with Matchroom and DAZN in April 2024, shortly after becoming the IBF welterweight world champion. He later signed a long-term extension with the promotional powerhouse in July 2025.
“I like how Eddie backs his guys one hundred percent,” Ennis said. “He’s a great spokesman.”
The DMV holds a special place in Ennis’s story. In January 2023, he won his first belt, the IBF interim welterweight title, on the undercard of the Gervonta Davis vs. Héctor Luis García event at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. That victory helped launch the next phase of his career, which now sees him chasing multi-division greatness.
“I feel like we’re just getting started, it’s only the beginning and it’s time to take over,” Ennis said.
Known for his explosiveness in the ring and calm demeanor outside it, Ennis has long been guided by family and community. The son and brother of former boxers, Ennis originally played basketball for three to four years, a sport his mother encouraged, before deciding boxing was his true calling.
That decision came full circle in his latest performance, as Ennis showcased his dominance in his 154-pound debut.
“I wanted everyone to know this is my weight division,” Ennis said. “154 is mine.”
Beyond the ring, Ennis is known for his commitment to youth outreach. He frequently visits and gives back to his community during or before fight week and recently stopped by The Lighthouse 1893 in Philadelphia, a long-standing community center that supports local youth through sports and education programs.
“I love giving back to the kids and being there for the kids,” Ennis said. “During or before fight week, it doesn’t matter. I love being there for the kids as much as possible. Being there for them could change their day, you never know.”
After his latest win, Ennis humbly treated himself to his first chicken cheesesteak in two months, ending a strict training regimen. But even in celebration, his focus remains on legacy — aiming to become a multiweight division champion and one of the sport’s all-time greats.
“I just hope everyone keeps watching and following my journey,” Ennis said. “I have big things coming, just stay tuned.”
