Last Updated on September 26, 2025 by Boxing Schedule
Philly’s Star Boots Ennis Steps Up to 154 lbs and Looks for a Statement KO
Boxing’s next American superstar might already be here — and he wants you to notice. On Saturday, October 11, 2025, Jaron “Boots” Ennis debuts at super welterweight against Angola’s Uisma Lima in a WBA final eliminator at the brand-new Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia. It streams live worldwide on DAZN, and the message from Ennis is clear: I’m coming for this division the same way I conquered the last one.
Ennis (34-0, 30 KOs) just cleaned out welterweight in April, forcing Eimantas Stanionis to retire after six brutal rounds to unify the belts. Now, with seven extra pounds to play with, he’s moving up to 154 with a chip on his shoulder — and the firepower to shake the hierarchy fast.
“I’m ready to make a big statement in the 154 division,” Ennis said on Matchroom’s Flash Knockdown podcast. “With the extra seven pounds, I’m feeling great. A statement is a knockout. The main goal is to have fun and put on a show.”
Why This Move Up Matters
Super welterweight is loaded — Jermell Charlo, Sebastian Fundora, Tim Tszyu, Vergil Ortiz Jr. — and no one’s going to hand Ennis a belt. Starting his run with a WBA final eliminator is a clear signal: he isn’t here to warm up, he’s here to force his way into world title talks right now.
He’s sharpened his edge by training in Lake Tahoe alongside Canelo Álvarez. “It was great being around Canelo,” Ennis said. “He’s a cool guy, but I needed to get out of Philly, get my mind right, and lock in for camp.”
Lima (14-1, 10 KOs) isn’t a stay-busy opponent. The Angolan pressure fighter throws volume and comes forward without fear. Ennis has scouted him: “He comes forward and throws a lot of punches — whatever he brings I’ll be ready. My mindset is every fight, stay locked in and treat him like a big name.”
Boots at Home: Pressure and Pride
Philadelphia fight nights carry a special kind of heat. For the first time in years, a local hero comes back as a unified champion stepping into a new division.
“It’s everything fighting at home,” Ennis said. “It’s a different type of pressure for other fighters to come and fight me there.”
This isn’t just about Boots the boxer. It’s about Boots the promoter too. He’s putting his own fighters on the stage:
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Tahmir Smalls (15-0, 11 KOs) fights Jose Roman (14-1, 6 KOs) for the WBA Continental North American welterweight belt.
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Dennis Thompson (7-0, 5 KOs) faces unbeaten Sean Diaz (9-0, 2 KOs) at super bantamweight.
“I’m proud to give these guys the platform,” Ennis said. “Tahmir’s been with me since he was little. Dennis is young and hungry — this is his first undefeated opponent.”
How the Fight Could Play Out
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Ennis wins if: He dictates pace, uses timing, and lets his power do what it’s done at 147. A mid-rounds stoppage seems likely if Lima walks in reckless.
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Lima’s shot: Force a fast pace, throw volume, hope Ennis hasn’t carried his chin and gas tank up seven pounds. He’ll need to land early and often.
Ennis has fought punchers and movers, and almost none have made it to the final bell. But first fights at new weights can be tricky — timing, durability, and stamina change when pounds shift.
Boots has been special for a while. He’s smooth, violent, and fights like a man who knows he’s supposed to win. Moving to 154 is the right move — but it’s also a gamble. Lima isn’t elite, but he’s hungry and tough enough to ruin an easy night if you sleepwalk.
Still, I think this is a showcase with danger. Boots is bigger now, fresher, and Philly will roar. I’m calling an Ennis KO between rounds 5–7 — a statement to the new division that the welterweight terror just moved in upstairs.
The Full Card: Philly Gets a Night
Golden Boy and Matchroom have packed the bill to feel like an event, not just a one-fight show:
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Jaron “Boots” Ennis vs Uisma Lima – WBA Super Welterweight Final Eliminator
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Khalil Coe (10-1-1, 8 KOs) vs Jesse Hart (31-3, 25 KOs) – USWBC Light Heavyweight Title
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Alexis Barrière (12-0, 10 KOs) vs Guido Vianello (13-3-1, 11 KOs) – WBC Continental Americas Heavyweight Title
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Jose Roman (14-1, 6 KOs) vs Tahmir Smalls (15-0, 11 KOs) – WBA Continental North America Welterweight Title
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Zaquin Moses (4-0, 3 KOs) vs Antonio Dunton El Jr (6-4-2, 2 KOs) – Super Featherweight, 6 rounds
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Giorgio Visioli (8-0, 6 KOs) vs James Wilkins (13-3, 6 KOs) – Super Featherweight, 8 rounds
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Harley Mederos (8-0, 7 KOs) – Lightweight, 6 rounds
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Dennis Thompson (7-0, 5 KOs) vs Sean Diaz (9-0, 2 KOs) – Super Bantamweight, 6 rounds
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Justin Palmieri (5-0, 3 KOs) – Lightweight, 6 rounds
Tickets start at $25 and go up to $150, with VIP packages through Ticketmaster and GoldenBoy.com.
Event Details
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Date: Saturday, October 11, 2025
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Venue: Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, PA
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Start Time: Main card 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT
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Streaming: Live worldwide on DAZN
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Tickets: $25–$150 via Ticketmaster and Events365, VIP packages at GoldenBoy.com