By Graham Ilford: Trainer Kenny Ellis views it as a good idea for Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis and his promoter Eddie Hearn to be ringside for the Vergil Ortiz Jr. vs. Erickson ‘The Hammer’ Lubin (27-2, 19 KOs) this Saturday, November 8th at the Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas.
Ringside Strategy from Hearn
Ellis says that ‘Boots’ Ennis (35-0, 31 KOs) being ringside will show the doubters that he really does want to fight Vergil Jr. (23-0, 21 KOs). Many of them believe that ‘Boots’ has been avoiding Ortiz Jr. out of fear. However, by showing up on Saturday, Ennis can show them that he wants to face WBC interim junior middleweight champion Vergil Jr.
‘Boots’ captured the WBA interim 154-lb title in a first-round knockout of Uisma Lima in his debut at junior middleweight last month on October 11, 2025, in Philadelphia. The performance showed that Ennis is a more powerful-looking fighter than he was when he was draining down to 147, and looking emaciated at the weigh-ins.
Coach Ellis predicts that ‘Boots’ will be too much for Vergil Jr. if that fight happens. He states that Ennis has too much on offense, defense, and with his inside game for Ortiz Jr. to deal with.
Answering the Ducking Claims
“I think it’s a good idea to shut the naysayers up that are saying that ‘Boots’ don’t want it,’ but Erickson Lubin has a chance to upset the whole plan,” said trainer Kenny Ellis to MillCity Boxing when asked about his thoughts on Jaron ‘Boot’ Ennis and his promoter Eddie Hearn planning on being at ringside for the Vergil Ortiz Jr. vs. Erickson Lubin fight this Saturday, November 8th.
Kenny says Lubin has the advantage in punching power and boxing skills. Having those two things on his side gives him a good chance of winning on Saturday, provided he can handle the pressure from Ortiz Jr. He’s going to be attacking Erickson relentlessly in the same way Sebastian Fundora did in his ninth-round stoppage victory over ‘The Hammer’ on April 9, 2022.
Ellis: Ennis Has Every Advantage
“I think ‘Boots’ is a bit too much for him,” said Ellis on his thoughts on a fight between Ennis and Vergil Jr. “Inside, outside, boxing, offense, defense, a little bit of everything. ‘Boots’ has already faced a style that Ortiz is bringing several times, and he dismantled his opponents every time.”
If Lubin Wins, Everything Changes
If Lubin wins on Saturday, he’ll disrupt the plans for Ennis and Vergil Jr. to fight. Depending on what deals are offered to him, ‘The Hammer’ Lubin could face ‘Boots’ Ennis or potentially rematch Fundora. Ortiz Jr. would need to rebuild. It wouldn’t be smart for him to face Ennis coming off a loss to Erickson.
“I think ‘Hammer’ brings the power to the table and the boxing,” said Kenny about what Lubin has going for him against Ortiz Jr. “My prediction on the fight. If ‘Hammer’ comes in best condition for the fight, I’m going to rock with ‘Hammer.’ But if he’s lagging outside the gym, I’m going to rock with Ortiz.”
Graham Ilford is a veteran boxing columnist who returned to writing after a decade-long hiatus. Known for his sardonic tone and dry humor, he examines promoters, fighters, and the business of the sport with the perspective of someone who has watched every era of hype repeat itself.