Boxing

Jaron Ennis hits back at his critics as he vows to make 'big statement' against Uisma Lima

DAZN

Published by James Hicken

10, Oct

Ennis vs Lima - only on DAZN - Saturday

Jaron Ennis has hit back at fans saying Uisma Lima is not a worthy opponent for his super welterweight debut this weekend.

‘Boots’ Insists he is ignoring the noise coming from his critics as he prepares to begin his conquest of the 154lbs division.

“I really don’t care [about the criticism], Ennis told The Ring. “I’m just glad to be able to make my debut at 154. After I take care of business, I’ll worry about the other guys. I have to make a big statement against Lima.

“My main goal is Lima. That’s it right now, at the moment. I have to stay focused and on point. You can’t overlook anybody or think ahead, can’t lose focus on what’s in front of you.”

After Ennis announced his move to super welterweight he was linked with a fight against WBC interim champion Vergil Ortiz having taken the number one spot in their rankings.

Read next | The two fights that completely changed Dave Allen's career

Matchroom Boxing

But Ortiz will now face Erickson Lubin next month instead, and Ennis ended up with Lima, whom he admitted he had no prior knowledge of.

“I don’t know about the challenges [Lima will present]. I’d never heard of him before,” Ennis explained. “So I watched him. He comes forward, throws a lot of punches. That’s about it.”

Lima is a relatively unknown contender in the super welterweight division. He has never fought in the United States but holds a record of 14-1 (10), with his only loss coming at the hands of Aaron McKenna in 2023, and he has since bounced back with four straight victories.

With a fight against Ortiz still in his sights, Ennis admitted that he could have moved up in weight sooner but had unfinished business in the welterweight division after having his IBF interim title elevated.

“I should have moved up to 154, but I had goals,’ Ennis said. “I couldn’t just leave 147 pounds as an email champ. I had to accomplish my goals, to become a unified and lineal Ring champion.

“That’s all that I really wanted. That’s what stamped my legacy in the welterweight division. I’m in here with the greats. Now, 154 is the start of something new.”