Jaron Ennis attempts to prove he truly is the future of boxing when he faces Uisma Lima on October 11 for the interim WBA super welterweight title.
Ennis (34-0, 30 KOs) last fought in April, beating Eimantas Stanionis to become the IBF, WBA, and Ring welterweight champion. It was his toughest task to date, and he passed it with flying colors. ‘Boots’ looks to continue his momentum along with his partnership with Matchroom Boxing.
This fight at the Xfinity Mobile Arena sees Ennis moving up in weight. The goal is to face the other champions in the division, featuring massive step-ups in competition that fans have craved to see. While Lima may not be on the same level as the others, Ennis is not taking him lightly.
“A statement is a knockout. The main goal is to have fun and put on a show. As long as I look good, there’s nothing to worry about,” Ennis said.
“What I’ve seen with Lima, he comes forward and throws a lot of punches, whatever he brings, I’ll be ready. My mindset that I’ve picked up is that every fight needs to be locked in. I’m treating him like a big name.”
Lima (14-1, 10 KOs) competes in the U.S. for the first time. He’s ranked eighth in the WBA’s rankings and looks to spoil Ennis’ homecoming.
The Sporting News looks at the odds for this fight and makes a final prediction.
Jaron Ennis vs. Uisma Lima odds
Per the FanDuel Sportsbook, Jaron Ennis is the -3000 favorite, while Uisma Lima is the +1380 underdog.
Jaron Ennis vs. Uisma Lima betting trends
Via the FanDuel Sportsbook:
- Ennis via KO/TKO: -400
- Ennis via decision: +330
- Lima via KO/TKO: +1900
- Lima via decision: +2700
- Draw: +3000
Jaron Ennis vs. Uisma Lima prediction
Is this as lopsided a fight as the odds suggest?
First, let’s look at Ennis’ recent performances, especially as he attempts to become a top draw in the sport.
In a rematch against Karen Chukhadzhian for welterweight gold, Ennis landed 224 of 730 strikes (30.7%), while his opponent landed 173 of 522 (33.1%). Ennis did not land single-digit strikes all night and landed 20+ shots three times in the last five rounds.
Against Eimantas Stanionis, Ennis landed 81 of 424 strikes (19.1%). While Stanionis landed 31.4% of his strikes, Ennis was the more effective puncher, forcing his opponent down in round six. It was a complete performance that saw Ennis evolve as a fighter.
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The thing about “Boots” is that he cites Sugar Ray Leonard and Floyd Mayweather as figures he wants to emulate. He may not be going for the knockout, but he can use the sweet science to his advantage. If someone rushes towards him, Ennis can make it an easy night.
Lima has 10 wins via knockout, but hasn’t faced top-tier competition like Ennis has. Ennis’ opponents also rank the tenth-lowest in boxing with a 27.1% connect percentage mark. So, even with knockout power, can Lima even touch Ennis?
If Ennis wants to face the likes of Vergil Ortiz Jr. or Sebastian Fundora, he must prove he can get past the opposition put in front of him with ease.
That’s a lot of pressure, but pressure makes diamonds. He may not have reached diamond status just yet, but Ennis is one in waiting, making him as dangerous as they come.
Sporting News prediction: Ennis via TKO 6 (+700)
