Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis Could Be Boxing’s Next Star, But He Just Needs A Title Shot

Jaron “Boots” Ennis has one dream: to have four belts wrapped around his waist. 

And the 25-year-old is reportedly getting close to that. At least two more obstacles stand in the way of that, and one of that is Karen Chukhadzhian, who he fights Saturday night in the co-main event for the IBF interim welterweight title. 

The other obstacle? Errol Spence Jr. 

“I don’t think they’re avoiding me. I just think they’re trying to go around me,” Ennis said when asked about the division’s bigger names including Spence, Terence Crawford, Keith Thurman, Eimantas Stanionis and Vergil Ortiz.  

“But I feel like they can’t keep doing that because there’s no one else left to fight. Who else are you going to fight? It’s just the young guys left.” 

Ennis became the IBF’s No. 1 contender, but was never given a title shot. He’s made a case for himself by winning his last 19 fights by stoppage. 

That’s why Ennis eventually secured the 12-rounder against Chukhadzhian. Now, if he’s victorious, he should get a step closer to his dream. 

Ennis and his father and trainer, Derek “Bozy” Ennis, sent a series of letters to IBF President Daryl Peoples, asking why Spence ordered to fight a mandatory challenger — which hasn’t happened for four years. 

Still, his father doesn’t think that Spence will fight Ennis. Spence has acknowledged Ennis’ talents, but hasn’t shown interest in making it happen. 

“I don’t think Spence is going to fight Boots,” Bozy Ennis said.  

“That’s what I think. I tell everybody that we don’t care who has the title. We’re going to fight for the title. If Spence doesn’t have it, then whoever has it, that’s who we’re going to fight. It doesn’t make a difference. I’m not running after Spence because if he doesn’t want to fight Boots, then give the title up.” 

The IBF reportedly said that Spence will have 120 days after his next fight to schedule a fight against the No. 1 contender.

It all depends on how Saturday goes. 

“I do my talking in the ring,” Ennis said. “I’m more of a biter. I’m not a barker, I’m a biter.”