Jaron Ennis: Philadelphia’s Hidden Gem of the Welterweight Division

There is a difference between getting beat up and getting beat down. Beat up is okay. Put some ice on your eye or clean the blood from your nose and you’ll be fine. You can normally bounce back from one of those. Beat down? Well, that’s a whole ‘nother issue, fam. Your will to fight is taken from you. You are embarrassed. You better not try to say something smart to anyone in the next few weeks, lest they bring up the fight and hey-man-this-look-like-Caine-beating-your-ass-the-other-night type comment. That is what Jaron Ennis does to you.

Got my crown tilted, my gown quilted, silk with cashmere

Burnin’ Rome down in a minute, built it last year

– Black Thought

Let’s go. Time for The Weigh-In.

Illadelph. Also known as Philadelphia. Home to some of the greatest fighters who ever laced them up. Names like Frazier, Saad-Muhammad, Briscoe, and Hopkins automatically come to mind. Philly is the place where 22-year-old Jaron “Boots” Ennis (24-0, 22 KOs) resides and trains with his father, Derek Ennis, and his team. True boxing heads might know Jaron Ennis, but there are a lot of people still in the dark about one of the welterweight division’s finest talents. He is the third (and youngest) of Mr. Ennis’ sons to lace up the gloves and according to his pops, he’s different.

“He has everything. He can box, defense, smart, intelligent in the ring. And that’s what I teach.”

Ennis turned pro in April of 2016 and quickly jumped out of
the gate, fighting eight times and recording seven stoppages. 2017 was even
busier – nine fights; eight stoppages.

Ennis’ competent offense from both the orthodox and southpaw stance, speed of hand and foot, icy-slick defense, and an affinity for knockouts blends perfectly for an exciting style of pugilism. He connects with the 6-3 combination with as much ease as he does the 1-2.

The Philly Stigma

You better have mad squabbles if you fight out of one of Philly’s gyms. There’s a certain assumption that comes along with being a fighter from that part of the east coast. It reminds me of Detroit’s infamous Kronk Gym wars that I used to hear about back in the day like ancient folklore. The reality of Kronk sparring was rooted in courage, sweat, and blood. Same with Philly. The well-earned tough-as-nails reputation of the city and its fight game automatically adds a target to one’s back. Boots knows that all too well.

“If you’re a boxer and you’re from Philly,” he says, “that means you gotta put on a show.”

And that’s exactly what he does. His fight with Armando Alvarez in July of this year was a prime example of that.

“Touch gloves,” the referee said in his final instructions
in the center of the ring before the first bell. When Alvarez didn’t raise his
hands to touch gloves, Ennis gave a playful but solid tap to Alvarez’ stomach
and turned to walk back to his corner. It was harmless, but the ref grabbed his
arm and said, “Listen to me. When I say touch gloves, touch gloves. Don’t hit
him.” The way he said don’t hit him made me laugh for some reason.
Probably because I knew that it was a precursor to what would happen throughout
the fight. Boots smiled as he walked back to his corner. Alvarez would indeed
get hit. Ennis proceeded to dismantle his opponent, effortlessly going to the
body and head, knocking him down four times in the third round alone. The ref
had seen enough. Alvarez was done.

A systematic beat down.

Watch the fight. Kid is nice.

What does the future hold for Jaron Ennis?

Ennis wants the big fights and a world title shot in 2020. There is plenty of good competition in the welterweight division, and he even expressed a willingness to go down to 140 if it meant challenging the big names. Is Boots ready for an Errol Spence, Jr. or a Terrence Crawford at 147? No, not yet. Give him time, though. What about Josh Taylor or Jose Ramirez at 140? Possibly. But don’t sleep on him – he just might surprise you and beat the brakes off one of your favorite fighters.

There have been prospects and contenders in the recent past who have not panned out like they would have liked; however, Boots is special. This is boxing, so there are bound to be questions of a young lion who’s trying to elevate himself in the sport. How is his chin? How will he react when someone hits him flush? Will he melt under the bright lights of Vegas, Brooklyn, or Los Angeles?

I don’t think he wilts under those lights – I predict and genuinely hope he thrives. It is yet to be determined how good he can really be, but I believe this young man is meant to be in the space he’s in right now. He’s got what it takes to get to that next level: a strong work ethic, a strong skill set, a strong mind, and a strong team. He’s got what it takes to not only get to the next level but to rule the next level. That’s what kings do.

I’m not sure if he wants the silk with cashmere, but he damn
sure wants the crown.

After all, that’s where gems belong.