Fresh off a unification win that established him among boxing’s elite, Jaron “Boots” Ennis is under scrutiny for his next move. The Philadelphia native’s decision to face little-known Portuguese contender Uisma Lima this Saturday has drawn criticism from boxing analysts who believe it’s time for him to test himself against the top names at 154 pounds.
“If you’re choosing to fight these guys … I want people looking forward to his next step up,” said former world champion Paulie Malignaggi on BoxingScene Today. “He needs a big opponent. When you consistently fight at this level, your own level starts to diminish - it causes fighters to stagnate.”
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Ennis, who makes his fifth consecutive appearance in the Northeast, will face Lima in Philadelphia today, streaming live on DAZN. While Lima holds rankings with both the IBF and WBA, critics say the bout feels like a tune-up rather than a challenge for a fighter of Ennis’ stature. Trainer Robert Garcia, who works with Vergil Ortiz Jr., said Ennis “has pressure on him to display” and prove he’s ready for the division’s elite.
The contrast with Ortiz Jr. is increasingly sharp. Ortiz has already defeated former champions Serhii Bohachuk and Israil Madrimov and will meet Erickson Lubin on November 8. Both men are eyeing a potential 2026 clash, but analysts suggest Ortiz is already pulling ahead. “It’s like Vergil is leaving [Ennis] in the background now … they’re moving on two different conveyor belts – the ‘A’ level and the ‘B’ level,” Malignaggi said.
Ennis has faced strong competition before, including a unification victory over Eimantas Stanionis, but his current opposition has left observers wanting more. With champions Sebastian Fundora, Bakhram Murtazaliev, and Xander Zayas defining the division, Ennis’ next steps will determine whether he’s ready to join them. “You can overmarinate him,” Malignaggi warned. “There’s a timing here, and I think Ennis’ timing should be right now - 2026 should definitely be.”
Watch this event today live on DAZN.
Image Credit: ESPN