Welcome to 154: Ennis destroys Lima in 1st round, calls for Ortiz next
On another Matchroom Boxing card, heavyweight Makhmudov outpoints British fan favorite Allen in entertaining battle
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Jaron “Boots” Ennis made an explosive entrance into the junior middleweight division as he demolished little-known Uisma Lima in the first round on Saturday night to do his part to set up a possible showdown with Vergil Ortiz Jr. in early 2026.
Ennis unified the IBF and WBA welterweight titles by mowing down then-undefeated Eimantas Stanionis in April and then, having struggled making 147 pounds for recent fights but accomplishing his long-stated goal of unifying belts, made the expected move up to 154 pounds, where he looked strong and fast and won the vacant WBA interim title.
Ennis and Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn took criticism from many for the match against massive underdog Lima but when faced with an opponent given little chance to win at least Ennis impressively blew him away. He scored two knockdowns in the quick destruction in the main event of the Matchroom Boxing card on DAZN at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, Ennis’ hometown.