While there are a couple of other guys with title belts at welterweight -- and more on them later -- let's make this clear: Jaron 'Boots' Ennis rules this division. That point was made emphatically this past weekend at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey, as he dominated the usually sturdy Eimantas Stanionis over six rounds to unify the IBF and WBA belts.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJrDhWx7es0
After a less-than-stellar outing last November versus Kharen Chukhadzhian, some wondered if his best days at 147 were behind him as the years of making weight were seemingly taking a toll on the 27-year old Ennis, who has been a career-long welterweight.
Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing
The belief was that the well-built Stanionis would give him a real tussle. Instead, Ennis put on an exhibition of his all-around abilities with his switch-hitting boxer-puncher style. At times he is flashy, at others gritty. While he can box his way to victories, Ennis is more than willing to put himself in harms way as he unleashes rapid combinations from mid-range. There is a lot of steak along with this sizzle.
Sometimes, it's not if you win, but how you do so that matters. 'Boots' didn't just beat Stanionis, he beat him into submission. This was a night where he made a real statement.
Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing
“I think I did but I want to go back and watch it,'' stated Ennis. "I felt like I was just getting in my groove and starting to get loose and have fun. My dad kept telling me to put the pressure on and that I was going to stop him. It’s crazy because I had a dream that I was going to stop him just like this. It’s unreal but these things happen, and it came true.”
More than once, he was clipped by some shots from Stanionis as he laid inside the pocket after his salvos. There is a dare devil quality to the way Ennis goes about things inside the ring. He is our Evel Knievel, who will provide thrills and not be afraid to take risks. Who knows when he'll run into his version of Snake River Canyon. All I know is that I'll be watching every one of his fights intently.
Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing
Ennis isn't just efficient in the ring, he seems to have an inherent understanding that this is also the entertainment business. “The biggest part for me tonight was having fun and being myself and having a live body in front of me. When I have that in front of me you see what happens, I put on a show,''he said. "I showed my speed, power, defense, and a little bit of inside game. I showed you everything and I will keep taking it to the next level.”
Years ago as Ennis was just beginning his professional career, the late Cameron Dunkin told me that he had signed the best pure natural talent that he ever came across. Now, Dunkin was a guy who had managed numerous world champions like Terence Crawford, Nonito Donaire, Stevie Johnston, Kelly Pavlik and Tim Bradley, among others. Nobody scouted the amateur scene like he did, and I had said for years that Dunkin was the best 'bird dog' in the business.
Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing
Then you had the likes of Stephen 'Breadman' Edwards, a noted trainer from Philly, and one of the most respected observers of the sport. He forecast greatness for Ennis years ago:
But perhaps we are getting ahead of ourselves, here. Ennis is now just entering his physical prime but really the end of his welterweight run. Right now the other belt-holders are Brian Norman (WBO) and Mario Barrios (WBC). Here's the reality with those two, Norman is making title defenses on undercards in small venues, while Barrios was part of the undercard of the Jake Paul-Mike Tyson sideshow.
While Ennis is now a legitimate attraction in the Philadelphia/Atlantic City region, and is in possession of the WBA, IBF and Ring Magazine welterweight titles. It says here that all roads at 147 go through him. The question is if and when can he realistically get his shot at going undisputed. The real battle for him at the moment is time and his continued ability to make weight.
Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing
Sooner rather than later he will be campaigning at a much deeper and talented junior middleweight class.
It's not clear if the overall track record for Ennis merits inclusion in these mythical pound-for-pound lists, just yet. These things aren't just about natural talent, but your accomplishments inside the ring. He passed the 'eye test' long ago. He certainly has a believer in Eddie Hearn, who has promoted his last few outings.
"Tonight, that was a performance by one of the best fighters in the sport of boxing. He’s by far the best fighter in the division and he’s going to be around for a long time," said the head of Matchroom Boxing. "It’s all coming and you’re witnessing true greatness. Now he will make his way on the pound-for-pound list and he’s the future of the sport of boxing. A great man from the great city of Philadelphia and he carries the city around everywhere he goes.”
