Jaron “Boots” Ennis didn’t just respond to his critics – he shut them down within two minutes.

After a week of questions about his opponent choice and resume, the former unified welterweight king, who was having tremendous trouble making the 147-pound limit, stormed past Uisma Lima in the first round to win the interim WBA super welterweight title at the Xfinity Mobile Arena in his hometown of Philadelphia.

Knockout sequence

The 28-year-old, fighting at a career-high 154 pounds, switched southpaw early, exchanged fire and detonated a right uppercut that sent Lima into the boots. A few seconds later, a combination of a hook to the left hand and a right hand knocked the Andorian to the floor for the first of three knockdowns.

Lima rose valiantly, but Ennis struck with terrifying accuracy, scoring a second knockdown with a blurry combination before referee Shawn Clark stepped in to end the carnage at 1:58 of the first round.

It was ruthless, clinical and exactly what a full-strength Ennis needed after weeks of doubt suggested he had taken the straightforward route to his super welterweight debut.

“I did what I came for,” a placid Ennis said after the fight. “I told you all I’d make a statement. I’m here now at Super Welter. Name me. I’m ready for anyone.”

Ennis, 35-0 (31 KO), planted his flag in the modern division and declared war on its biggest stars, Vergil Ortiz Jr. Jermell CharloSebastian Fundora and any other title holder.

Eddie Hearn’s post-fight tirade

When asked by a reporter after the fight who he needed next, promoter Eddie Hearn interjected and answered bluntly.

“Fundora, Zayas, Baraou – anyone who has the belt,” Hearn said. When asked further if these naysayers were realistic, the Essex resident stated bluntly: “I noticed you guys asked a lot of questions this week and everyone was generally negative, so I’m going to look at it positively.

“I’m the best in the business, he’s the best in the business. Facts. I’ll do my job, he’ll do his job. Facts. I’ve got a job to do because I don’t want to miss the opportunity to watch this guy beat everyone. And I’m going to enjoy every fucking moment of watching him become number one pound for pound.”

Eddie Hearn gets irritated with a reporter over Ortiz Jr.’s questions. vs Boots! 😳

WATCH HERE: https://t.co/8DpWS3HIlM pic.twitter.com/Rr5ZSCq05A

— Fight Hub TV (@FightHubTV) October 12, 2025

Philadelphia fight night results

WBA interim super welterweight title

Jaron “Boots” Ennis def. UISMA Lima – Who, round 1 (1:58)

Heavyweight

Guido Vianello def. Alexis Barriere – KO, round 5

Welterweight

Tahmir Smalls def. Jose Roman Vazquez – UD (98-91, 96-93, 95-94)

Super bantamweight

Dennis Thompson def. Sean Diaz – SD (60-53, 57-56, 57-56)

Preliminaries

Zaquin Moses def. Antonio Dunton El Jr. – UD (60-54 x3)

Giorgio Visioli def. James Wilkins – UD (80-72×3)

Harley Mederos def. Hylon Williams Jr. – Tko, round 1

Naheem Parker def. Justin Palmieri – UD (60-54×3)

About the author

Phil Jay is experienced boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global combat scene. How Since 2010, editor-in-chief of World Boxing News (WBN).Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and the most critical boxing evenings in the ring were reported.

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