When Jaron "Boots" Ennis stepped into the ring at the Xfinity Mobile Arena on November 22, 2025, he wasn’t just fighting for a belt—he was stepping into a new chapter. The 28-year-old Philadelphia native, undefeated at 34-0 with 30 knockouts, made his long-anticipated debut at junior middleweight against Angola-born, Portugal-based Uisma Lima (14-1, 10 KOs). The bout, originally slated as a WBA title eliminator, was upgraded minutes before weigh-ins to determine the vacant interim WBA title at 154 pounds. Ennis weighed in at 153.4, Lima at 153. The crowd, loud and familiar, knew what they were seeing: the end of an era at welterweight and the explosive start of something bigger.
Why Ennis Moved Up—And Why It Matters
Ennis had been wrestling with the 147-pound limit for years. Not the kind of struggle where you sweat in a sauna for days—this was structural. His frame, his power, his natural strength were all pushing past the welterweight ceiling. After unifying the IBF and WBA welterweight titles with a devastating sixth-round knockout of Eimantas Stanionis on April 12, 2025, he didn’t just vacate the belts—he walked away from them like a man shedding a too-tight suit. "I could’ve kept fighting at 147," Ennis told reporters after the Lima fight. "But I’d be fighting my own body every week. This? This feels like breathing again."
It’s a story as old as boxing itself: the guy who outgrows his division. But Ennis isn’t just moving up—he’s moving up into the spotlight. The junior middleweight division, long overshadowed by the glamour of welterweight and the brutality of middleweight, suddenly has a star. And he’s local.
The Ortiz Dream: A Fight That Could Fill Riyadh
Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn didn’t waste a second after Ennis’ victory. "We sat in a room with Golden Boy and DAZN," Hearn said, "and the deal for Vergil Ortiz is already inked in principle." Vergil Ortiz Jr. (23-0, 21 KOs), the WBC interim champion, is scheduled to defend his belt against Erickson Lubin on November 8, 2025. Should Ortiz win—and he’s a heavy favorite—the Ennis-Ortiz showdown is locked in for Q1 2026.
But here’s the twist: this fight might not happen in Las Vegas or Philadelphia. Turki Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, told The Ring in June 2025 that he’s actively negotiating to bring Ennis vs. Ortiz to Riyadh as the centerpiece of a massive November 2026 card. "It’s not just about money," Alalshikh said. "It’s about legacy. Two undefeated American warriors, one night, under the desert sky. That’s the kind of moment boxing remembers."
That’s the kind of moment that could eclipse even the biggest pay-per-views. Ennis’ power, Ortiz’s relentless pressure—it’s a stylistic clash that could define the next era of 154-pound boxing.
The Other Name in the Room: Abass Barou
Don’t forget the man who already holds the full WBA title: Abass Barou (17-1, 9 KOs) of Germany. As interim champion, Ennis is now the mandatory challenger. Hearn is pushing for Ortiz because the money’s better, the optics are bigger. But Barou is no pushover. He’s a technical master, a former European champion who beat former world titleholder Israil Madrimov by split decision in 2024. If Ennis-Ortiz stalls, Barou could force his way into the picture.
And that’s the beauty of this division now—it’s not just one fight. It’s a chessboard. Ennis just took his first big move. The rest? Still unfolding.
Philadelphia’s Boxing Renaissance
The Xfinity Mobile Arena has become Ennis’ second home. His last fight there was in July 2024, when he defended his IBF welterweight title against David Avanesyan, the tough, experienced Armenian veteran who once challenged Terence Crawford. That night, Ennis didn’t just win—he silenced the doubters who said he couldn’t carry a crowd. Saturday night? He made the building shake.
It’s not just about Ennis. The undercard featured Jalil Hackett (8-0, 7 KOs) winning the WBA Continental North America welterweight title, and Skye Nicolson (10-0, 1 KO) defending her WBC featherweight crown. Philadelphia isn’t just producing stars—it’s becoming a hub. And Ennis? He’s the one lighting the fuse.
What’s Next? The Clock Is Ticking
Ennis’ next fight is expected to be in March or April 2026, depending on Ortiz-Lubin’s outcome. DAZN has already locked in the broadcast rights. If Ortiz wins, the fight’s on. If Ortiz loses? Suddenly, Barou gets his shot—and the narrative changes entirely. Either way, Ennis is now the most talked-about name in the 154-pound division.
And then there’s the Saudi angle. If Alalshikh pulls it off, Ennis could become the first American welterweight-turned-junior-middleweight to headline a major card in the Kingdom. That’s not just a fight. That’s a cultural moment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Jaron Ennis move up to junior middleweight?
Ennis struggled to make the 147-pound welterweight limit despite his dominance, and his physical frame—powerful, broad-shouldered—was naturally suited for 154 pounds. After unifying the IBF and WBA titles in April 2025, he chose to vacate rather than continue cutting weight, calling it a "battle with his own body." Moving up allowed him to fight at his natural strength without compromising health or performance.
Who is Vergil Ortiz Jr., and why is the Ennis-Ortiz fight so anticipated?
Vergil Ortiz Jr. (23-0, 21 KOs) is a fearsome puncher and WBC interim junior middleweight champion known for his relentless pressure and knockout power. He defeated Israil Madrimov by unanimous decision in February 2025, solidifying his status as a top contender. Ennis brings elite speed and technical precision; Ortiz brings raw aggression. Their styles create a classic clash—power vs. precision—that could produce a fight of the year contender in early 2026.
Could Jaron Ennis fight Abass Barou instead of Vergil Ortiz?
Yes. As the interim champion, Ennis is the mandatory challenger for WBA world champion Abass Barou (17-1, 9 KOs). But Barou is a skilled technician, not a big-name draw like Ortiz. Matchroom and DAZN are prioritizing Ortiz because of his fan appeal, knockout record, and commercial value. A Barou fight would happen only if Ortiz loses to Erickson Lubin or if negotiations for Ortiz stall.
Why is Saudi Arabia interested in hosting Ennis vs. Ortiz?
Turki Alalshikh, head of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, sees boxing as a key tool for global soft power. Hosting two undefeated American stars in Riyadh would draw international attention, boost tourism, and elevate Saudi Arabia’s profile in premium sports. A November 2026 card featuring Ennis-Ortiz could rival the biggest events in Las Vegas, especially if paired with other global fighters on the undercard.
How did Ennis perform against Uisma Lima?
Ennis dominated from the opening bell, using his superior hand speed and ring IQ to outmaneuver Lima. He landed clean combinations at will and dropped Lima in the seventh round with a sharp left hook to the body. Lima showed heart but was outclassed. Ennis won by unanimous decision (119-109, 118-110, 117-111), earning the interim WBA title and proving his transition to 154 pounds was seamless.
Is this the beginning of a new era in junior middleweight boxing?
Absolutely. For years, the 154-pound division lacked a true star. Ennis, with his Philadelphia roots, undefeated record, and charisma, has the potential to become its face. With Ortiz, Barou, and others in the mix, we’re seeing the first real contender pool in over a decade. This isn’t just a fight—it’s the spark that could reignite the entire weight class.
