By Chris Williams: Welterweight contender Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis is predicting he’ll capture his first division title in 2022 and hold two belts by 2023.
Ennis is coming off a sensational first round knockout win over Thomas Dulorme last October.
The win shocked a lot of boxing fans because they weren’t expecting Ennis to put in that kind of performance against the always formidable former world title challenger Dulorme.
Ennis, 24, is viewed as a future star in the 147-lb division, and there are some who believe he’s already good enough to defeat champions Terence Crawford and Errol Spence Jr. if given the opportunity.
The unbeaten Boots Ennis (26-0, 24 KOs) isn’t saying which title he’ll capture this year because he’s not likely to get a title shot against any of the champions
Ennis is ranked #3 IBF, #3 WBA, #5 WBO, #6 WBC. With that rankings, Boots can’t force any of the champions to fight him in 2022 if they don’t want to face him.
Given how long it took for Crawford to finally give Shawn Porter a title shot despite his previous #1 ranking with the WBO, it’s safe to say that Bud won’t be giving Boots Ennis a title shot without the World Boxing Organization ordering the fight.
Ennis hopes to fight three times in 2022
“In 2022, it’s going to be the best year of my career so far,” said Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis to Fighthype. “It’s time to shine and take over the welterweight division.
“We’re waiting on a deal right now, and when that deal gets locked in, and the opponent gets locked in, we’re going to continue to show the world that I’m the best fighter out there,” said Ennis.
“I’m the best fighter in the world, period. Honestly, two or three fights, but if we can get two big fights, that would be perfect,” said Boots Ennis when asked how many fights he wants in 2022.
“I got to stay busy. I want to stay sharp. I want to keep progressing and getting better in every fight. I want to show my talent and my ability. I’m always staying in some kind of shape because you never know if you’re going to get a call.
“You never know because somebody could get injured,” said Ennis on why he stays in shape just in case he gets called to step in as a replacement opponent,” Ennis said.
We’ll see what kind of opposition Ennis faces this year, but Chris Williams would be surprised if he faces anyone of note.
Promoters aren’t going to want to sacrifice their highly ranked fighters against a talent like Ennis. I know if I were a promoter, I wouldn’t let my fighter anywhere near Boots Ennis because he’s too good.
It’s predictable that under the best-case scenario, Boots will fight one maybe two fringe contenders, but definitely not top 10 contenders.
If Ennis can get ranked #1 by one or more of the sanctioning bodies at 147, he’ll be in a position to challenge for a world title in 2023. Currently, the IBF has Kudratillo Abdukakhorov ranked #1, and the WBA has Eimantas Stanionis in the #1 spot.
Interestingly, neither of those fighters has beaten anyone of talent to deserve their #1 ranking. It makes you wonder what the rationale was for the IBF and WBA to give those two contenders their #1 spots.
Boots predicts he’ll hold two titles by 2o22
“This time next year, I’ll at least have two belts,” Boots Ennis said. “If not, all the belts. That’s the goal. The goal next year is to take over, like I said before. I’m expecting to get at least one belt this year and then go on to the next and bigger and better.
“I’m trying to be undisputed welterweight champion, and then go and do the same thing at 154 and 160. So, it’s the start right here.
“I don’t know what’s going on. I’m here and ready to fight any and everybody,” said Boots Ennis when asked if he’s being avoided by the top guys.
“There’s politics in boxing. I will beat him,” said Ennis about Errol Spence Jr. “I’m ready, and I’m willing. Those guys, they know, and that’s why they won’t take a fight like me.
“They’re all great fighters, but they all got to eat. This is the start, and they can’t keep putting me to the side,” said Ennis.
It would be suitable for the welterweight division if Ennis captures two titles next year because he’s not the type of fighter to sit and do nothing like we’ve been seeing from the current champions.
Spence hasn’t fought since 2020, and it’s anyone’s whether he’ll survive training camp without getting injured for his fight with Yordenis Ugas.
As for Crawford, he’s been fighting weak opposition in the last couple of years, beating over-the-hill fights Kell Brook, Amir Khan, and Egidijus Kavaliauskas.
“I’m going to make my statement in this boxing game in the welterweight division, and I will start this year,” Ennis said.
The only way Ennis grabs two titles in 2023 is if he faces IBF/WBC welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr. or whoever has those two belts by then.
Regardless of whether it’s Spence, Yordenis Ugas, or Crawford, they’re likely going to drag their feet and avoid fighting Ennis next year.
It won’t be surprising if those champions find a way to delay fighting Ennis until 2024. Indeed, Chris Williams predicts that Ennis won’t get a shot at any of the welterweight belts until 2024, and that’s only if the sanctioning bodies move him into the #1 spot.
Jaron is fighting in March or April
“March or April. I’m waiting on a date right now,” said Ennis. “I’m waiting to start camp next week. So, I’ll be getting locked in. Right now. I’m just staying sharp. Probably July or August,” Ennis said on when he’ll fight the second time in 2022.
“I’ll at least be ranked #1 with one of the belts or have one of the belts by October.
That’s the goal. I will be the world champion this year. It’s no more games. I’m not playing. I’m here to take over this division,” said Ennis.