Boxing
Ennis to Face Lima in WBA Welterweight Eliminator in Philadelphia
2025-08-11

Professional boxer Jaron \"Boots\" Ennis is slated to make his much-anticipated entry into the super welterweight division. He will face Uisma Lima in a critical WBA final eliminator bout. This significant event is scheduled for October 11th in Philadelphia, marking a key moment in Ennis's career as he steps up in weight class.

Uisma Lima, with a professional record of 14 wins and 1 loss (10 KOs), presents a formidable challenge for Ennis's super welterweight debut. Although Lima previously suffered a decision loss to Aaron McKenna in 2023, he has demonstrated his resilience and skill by overcoming three consecutive undefeated opponents in their home territories. His impressive victories against Haro Matevosyan in Germany, Sukhdeep Singh Bhatti in Canada, and Shervantaigh Koopman in South Africa highlight his ability to perform under pressure and secure wins in challenging environments. Lima will also bring his IBO championship of the world into the ring, adding another layer of prestige and challenge to the contest.

For Jaron Ennis, who boasts an undefeated record of 34 wins (31 KOs), a victory in this eliminator bout could significantly accelerate his path toward a world title shot. However, the exact implications of this \"final eliminator\" are somewhat ambiguous, especially concerning the WBA's welterweight championship picture. The WBA has not yet officially stripped Terence Crawford of his title, despite indications that he is moving away from the division. This situation leaves open various possibilities for Ennis's next steps should he emerge victorious. One potential scenario involves a fight with interim champion Yoenis Tellez, assuming Tellez successfully navigates his upcoming bout against Abass Baraou. Furthermore, speculation from The Ring magazine suggests that \"the plan\" is for Ennis to eventually square off against Vergil Ortiz Jr., indicating a future clash between two highly regarded talents.

Ennis remains supremely confident in his abilities, stating, \"They can say what they want, it doesn’t make me a difference – these dudes can’t tie my shoes. I’m the best in the world and they know it! I want all the big names and belts. The tour continues.\" His words reflect a fighter driven by ambition and a belief in his unparalleled skill set. Lima, on the other hand, acknowledges the magnitude of the challenge but approaches the fight with a determined mindset. He remarked, \"I am very excited to be taking on the biggest challenge of my life against a legit, world-level fighter in Ennis. I believe in myself … we will be coming to war. Please don’t take me lightly, Boots, as I am coming to win.\" Both fighters are clearly prepared for an intense and competitive showdown in Philadelphia.

This upcoming fight represents a pivotal moment for both competitors, with Ennis aiming to solidify his position as a top contender in the super welterweight division and Lima looking to upset the odds and continue his impressive run against undefeated fighters. The outcome will undoubtedly have significant ramifications for the WBA welterweight landscape, potentially paving the way for future high-stakes encounters.

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