Jaron “Boots” Ennis is taking his show back to Philadelphia - and up to junior middleweight. The former unified welterweight champion (34-0, 30 KOs) will face Angola-born southpaw Uisma Lima on October 11 at the Wells Fargo Center, marking Ennis’ 154lbs debut and his first fight since dazzling past Eimantas Stanionis in April to add the WBA belt to his IBF crown. It’s also his first outing since inking a long-term promotional extension with Matchroom.
Watch Ennis vs. Stanionis highlights: Watch
Lima (14-1, 10 KOs), based in Porto, steps in with quiet momentum and a knack for hostile territory. His lone defeat came via decision to Aaron McKenna in 2023; since then he’s reeled off four wins, including back-to-back upsets over previously unbeaten Shervantaigh Koopman (15-0) and Sukhdeep Singh Bhatti (19-0). He was among a shortlist that included Josh Kelly for Ennis’ first assignment at 154.
Watch Lima vs. McKenna highlights: Watch
“They can say what they want…it don’t make me a difference,” Ennis said. “I’m the best in the world and they know it. I want all the big names and belts—the tour continues.” Promoter Eddie Hearn echoed the move: “It’s time to start the journey to two-weight glory…Uisma has consistently won fights on hostile territory, and he’s coming to Philly to make a name for himself.”
The stakes are immediate. Ennis has already been installed high at junior middleweight - including the WBC’s No. 1 slot - and a statement in his hometown would plant a flag in a new division. New weight, same message: Boots wants the belts, and he’s not waiting around to chase them.
Fight card:
▪️Jaron Ennis vs. Uisma Lima, 12 rounds, super welterweight
