Boxing
Jaron Ennis looks worn out at 154, perfect at 160 inches
Published
1 year agoon
Promoter Eddie Hearn says Jaron “Boots” Ennis’ ideal weight is “160” instead of 154. He claims that Ennis (34-0, 30 KO) could move up to middleweight now and would be in great shape.
Ennis will make his debut at 154 next Saturday, October 11, against Uisma Lima (14-1, 10 KO) at the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia. Former IBF and WBA welterweight champion Ennis was forced to move up from 147 pounds because he was making diminishing returns after spending his entire career at that weight.
Hearn determines Ennis’ true importance
If Ennis moves up to middleweight now, he would be able to fight these fighters:
- Terence Crawford
- Carlos Adames: WBC champion
- Erislandy Lara: WBA
- Janibek Alimkhanuly: IBF and WBO
“I think the ideal weight for Boots is 160. I think he could go there now and be in great shape,” said promoter Eddie Hearn media today on Jaron “Boots” Ennis still hasn’t reached his ideal weight, going from 147 to 154. “He’ll be tight at 154 tomorrow [at the weigh-in]”
From the sight of “Boots” Ennis this week, it is clear that 154 pounds is not the optimal weight class for him. He won’t be at his best fighting at junior middleweight because he’s too large for that division as well.
Why 160 fits the “shoes” better than 154
“People think that when you gain weight, suddenly everything becomes basic,” Hearn said. “He’s huge. He’ll 100% get to 168 at some point. So we have a four-division championship. I don’t want him to just be a four-division champion.”
Ennis should have fought at middleweight years ago instead of exhausting himself to the point where he looked like a zombie. Moving up to 154 pounds has been a long overdue move, but this is not where he should be. She’s now approaching 29 and gaining weight.
A long road to the undisputed position of 154
Hearn says he wants to become undisputed at 154 before moving up to 160 pounds. This isn’t a good idea considering it could take Ennis at least two years to achieve this.
If Hearn is trying to get ‘Boots’ to follow in Terence Crawford’s footsteps and become the undisputed three-division champion, it’s a waste of time. It wasn’t basic for Crawford because the lanes were already rounded up at 147 and 168.
If he had to win them individually, he would probably run out of time or be defeated. Trying to take on titles held by Osleys Iglesias or Christian Mbilla would likely be too much for the 38-year-old Crawford. Ennis should forget about investing time in becoming undisputed at 154 pounds and instead focus on moving up to 160 pounds to get the biggest fights in that weight class.
At 160 pounds, “Boots” would be in Crawford’s orbit and could put pressure on him to fight. Even if this fight doesn’t happen, he will be able to go after the champions and lure fighters from the 154th weight class to the 160th weight class to fight him.
“I want him to be undisputed in them because I think he is the natural successor to Terence Crawford. I think he has the same ability as Crawford because he was undisputed in three weight classes,” Hearn said.
How Ennis compares to teenage Crawford
Ennis’ fighting style is much more fan-friendly than Crawford’s, as he is a more frontal fighter who attacks his opponents. Crawford was always a counter-attacker who waited passively like a spider. He moved a lot when he was younger and now that he’s approaching 40, he still moves a lot.
Bob Smith wrote for Boxing News 24 since 2008, making him one of the site’s longest-serving contributors. With over a decade of experience, he has established himself as a senior boxing writer who accurately covers the global fight scene.
Bob’s work includes fight reports, news and features featuring world champions and emerging fighters alike, giving fans a clear picture of the sport’s past and present. Known for his consistency, accuracy and deep understanding of boxing, Bob remains a trusted voice for readers who want to stay up to date with global martial arts news.
Last update: 10/09/2025
You may like
Boxing
Chris Billam Smith vs Chev Clarke Live Updates: Round by Round Action from Zuffa Boxing 12
Published
1 hour agoon
November 7, 2026
Follow Billam-Smith against Clarke with live round reports, scoring and the official result from London.
Chris Billam-Smith fights Cheavon Clarke over 10 rounds tonight on Sky Sports in the UK and Paramount+ in the US. The former WBO cruiserweight champion headlines Zuffa Boxing 12 at the Copper Box Arena on Saturday, November 7.
Billam-Smith vs Clarke Round-by-Round Updates
Live reports will appear here from the opening bell, tracking clean punches, knockdowns and which fighter controls each round.
Chris Billam-Smith vs Chev Clarke
2026-11-07 · 14:00 ET / 7:00 PM UK · Copper Box Arena, London · Paramount+, Sky Sports
Chris Billam-Smith0
AFTER0ROUNDS
Chev Clarke0
ROUNDChris Billam-SmithChev Clarke
Undercard Results
Featherweight Masood Abdulah (14-1, 8 KOs) scored two knockdowns to defeat Adan Palma (14-2) by an eight-round unanimous decision. The judges scored it 78-72, 77-73 and 76-74.
Abdulah dropped Palma with a short left hook in the opening minute, then used his jab and compact hooks to catch him coming forward. Palma fought his way back into the contest, landing heavy right hands in the fourth round that forced Abdulah to clinch.
A well-timed check left hook sent Palma down again in the sixth, slowing his attack and giving Abdulah more room to dictate the action. Abdulah worked behind his jab and continued finding the left hook over the final two rounds to secure the victory.
Vinnie Kemp (1-0, 1 KO) stopped Liam McElhinney (0-3) with a barrage of body shots at 2:33 of the opening round in their scheduled four-round middleweight bout. Making his professional debut, Kemp charged forward from the opening bell, throwing hard punches and goading McElhinney.
The referee briefly paused the action to warn Kemp about his verbals before allowing the fight to continue. Kemp resumed his attack, stalking McElhinney and driving punches into his midsection.
McElhinney bent forward and covered up against the ropes under the sustained body attack, prompting the referee to wave it off. Kemp’s aggression gave him a quick debut victory, although McElhinney offered little to test him.
When Does Billam-Smith vs Clarke Start?
Main-event ring walks: 🇺🇸 5 pm ET / 2 pm PT · 🇬🇧 10 p.m. GMTapproximately.
The undercard determines the final timing. Billam-Smith and Clarke headline a nine-fight show, with Denzel Bentley against Shane Mosley Jr. in the co-feature.
Main-card broadcast:
🇺🇸 2 pm ET / 11 am PT
🇬🇧 7 p.m. GMT
Preliminary coverage:
🇺🇸 12 pm ET / 9 am PT
🇬🇧 5 p.m. GMT
Sky Sports broadcasts the main card in the UK, with prelims available on its digital platforms. Paramount+ carries the prelims and main card in the US through a subscription, without a separate PPV charge.
Two June Stoppage Wins Set Up the Main Event
Both fighters arrive after punishing fights.
Billam-Smith beat Ryan Rozicki in June, with the Canadian’s corner withdrawing him after seven rounds of their Bournemouth contest. Clarke endured a rougher route on the same bill, recovering from two knockdowns before stopping Jack Massey.
Tonight’s contest carries no championship belt. For Billam-Smith, it offers a chance to strengthen his position at cruiserweight while beating an opponent who twice frustrated him.
Clarke’s second amateur victory came in the 2016 national elite championship final. Beating Billam-Smith in the paid ranks would add a former world champion to his professional record and strengthen his case for bigger fights.
Billam-Smith enters at 22-2 with 14 knockoutswhile Clarke brings a 12-2 record with nine stoppages. The experience gap amounts to ten professional contests.
Both cleared the scales on Friday. Billam-Smith weighed 199.5 lbs (90.5 kg) and Clarke 198.8 lbs (90.2 kg) for their cruiserweight headliner.
Zuffa Boxing 12 Undercard Results
Confirmed results and finishing details will be added alongside the matchups below as the bouts conclude.
Main Card
Denzel Bentley vs Shane Mosley Jr.
Middleweight · 10 rounds
Da’Mazion Vanhouter vs Ivan Balaz
Heavyweight · 8 rounds
Sam Hickey vs Amaury Massenaux
Middleweight · 8 rounds
Kayla Allen vs Julia Igel
Super lightweight · 6 rounds
Lucas Roehrig vs Connal McDonald
Cruiserweight · 8 rounds
Prelims
Zach Parker vs Umar Dzambekov
Light-heavyweight · 10 rounds
Vinnie Kemp vs Liam McElhinney
Middleweight · 4 rounds
Masood Abdullah vs Adan Palma
Featherweight · 8 rounds
Boxing
Chris Billam-Smith vs Chev Clarke Live Updates: Round-by-Round Analysis from Zuffa Boxing 12
Published
1 hour agoon
November 7, 2026
Follow Billam-Smith against Clarke with live round reports, scoring and the official result from London.
Chris Billam-Smith fights Cheavon Clarke over 10 rounds tonight on Sky Sports in the UK and Paramount+ in the US. The former WBO cruiserweight champion headlines Zuffa Boxing 12 at the Copper Box Arena on Saturday, November 7.
Billam-Smith vs Clarke Round-by-Round Updates
Live reports will appear here from the opening bell, tracking clean punches, knockdowns and which fighter controls each round.
Chris Billam-Smith vs Chev Clarke
2026-11-07 · 14:00 ET / 7:00 PM UK · Copper Box Arena, London · Paramount+, Sky Sports
Chris Billam-Smith0
AFTER0ROUNDS
Chev Clarke0
ROUNDChris Billam-SmithChev Clarke
Undercard Results
Featherweight Masood Abdulah (14-1, 8 KOs) scored two knockdowns to defeat Adan Palma (14-2) by an eight-round unanimous decision. The judges scored it 78-72, 77-73 and 76-74.
Abdulah dropped Palma with a short left hook in the opening minute, then used his jab and compact hooks to catch him coming forward. Palma fought his way back into the contest, landing heavy right hands in the fourth round that forced Abdulah to clinch.
A well-timed check left hook sent Palma down again in the sixth, slowing his attack and giving Abdulah more room to dictate the action. Abdulah worked behind his jab and continued finding the left hook over the final two rounds to secure the victory.
Vinnie Kemp (1-0, 1 KO) stopped Liam McElhinney (0-3) with a barrage of body shots at 2:33 of the opening round in their scheduled four-round middleweight bout. Making his professional debut, Kemp charged forward from the opening bell, throwing hard punches and goading McElhinney.
The referee briefly paused the action to warn Kemp about his verbals before allowing the fight to continue. Kemp resumed his attack, stalking McElhinney and driving punches into his midsection.
McElhinney bent forward and covered up against the ropes under the sustained body attack, prompting the referee to wave it off. Kemp’s aggression gave him a quick debut victory, although McElhinney offered little to test him.
When Does Billam-Smith vs Clarke Start?
Main-event ring walks: 🇺🇸 5 pm ET / 2 pm PT · 🇬🇧 10 p.m. GMTapproximately.
The undercard determines the final timing. Billam-Smith and Clarke headline a nine-fight show, with Denzel Bentley against Shane Mosley Jr. in the co-feature.
Main-card broadcast:
🇺🇸 2 pm ET / 11 am PT
🇬🇧 7 p.m. GMT
Preliminary coverage:
🇺🇸 12 pm ET / 9 am PT
🇬🇧 5 p.m. GMT
Sky Sports broadcasts the main card in the UK, with prelims available on its digital platforms. Paramount+ carries the prelims and main card in the US through a subscription, without a separate PPV charge.
Two June Stoppage Wins Set Up the Main Event
Both fighters arrive after punishing fights.
Billam-Smith beat Ryan Rozicki in June, with the Canadian’s corner withdrawing him after seven rounds of their Bournemouth contest. Clarke endured a rougher route on the same bill, recovering from two knockdowns before stopping Jack Massey.
Tonight’s contest carries no championship belt. For Billam-Smith, it offers a chance to strengthen his position at cruiserweight while beating an opponent who twice frustrated him.
Clarke’s second amateur victory came in the 2016 national elite championship final. Beating Billam-Smith in the paid ranks would add a former world champion to his professional record and strengthen his case for bigger fights.
Billam-Smith enters at 22-2 with 14 knockoutswhile Clarke brings a 12-2 record with nine stoppages. The experience gap amounts to ten professional contests.
Both cleared the scales on Friday. Billam-Smith weighed 199.5 lbs (90.5 kg) and Clarke 198.8 lbs (90.2 kg) for their cruiserweight headliner.
Zuffa Boxing 12 Undercard Results
Confirmed results and finishing details will be added alongside the matchups below as the bouts conclude.
Main Card
Denzel Bentley vs Shane Mosley Jr.
Middleweight · 10 rounds
Da’Mazion Vanhouter vs Ivan Balaz
Heavyweight · 8 rounds
Sam Hickey vs Amaury Massenaux
Middleweight · 8 rounds
Kayla Allen vs Julia Igel
Super lightweight · 6 rounds
Lucas Roehrig vs Connal McDonald
Cruiserweight · 8 rounds
Prelims
Zach Parker vs Umar Dzambekov
Light-heavyweight · 10 rounds
Vinnie Kemp vs Liam McElhinney
Middleweight · 4 rounds
Masood Abdullah vs Adan Palma
Featherweight · 8 rounds
Boxing
Robert Garcia Analyzes Tim Tszyus Odds Against Erislandy Lara | Boxing News
Published
4 hours agoon
November 7, 2026
Tim Tszyu seeks to become Australia’s third multi-divisional boxing world champion when he competes for Erislandy Lara’s WBA middleweight title next month, and ahead of the action, trainer Robert Garcia has offered his thoughts on the fight.
Tszyu lost his WBO super-welterweight title in a defeat to Sebastian Fundora back in 2024 and twice failed to reclaim 154lb honours, both against Bakhram Murtazaliev and in a rematch with Fundora.
Since then, the Aussie has stepped up to middleweight and scored a career-best win over Errol Spence Jr earlier this yearand now, the 32-year-old could join lead trainer Jeff Fenech and Liam Paro as his nation’s third two-weight world champion, if he can trump 43-year-old.
Speaking with ProBox TVRobert Garcia, who trains a potential future Tszyu opponent in Vergil Ortiz, admitted that he is leaning towards the home fighter, but noted that Lara will not be phased by competing in the challenger’s backyard.
“We can probably lean towards Tim Tsyzu because he is fighting at home, in front of his hometown, but Lara is not the fighter that brings in a lot of fans following him.
“He doesn’t have a following, he is not one that is going to sell out arenas, so even if it is in the United States, it is likely that most of the people are going to be [there] for Tim Tszyu because Australians do travel and Tim Tszyu has a lot of fans.
“For Lara, going to Australia is like going to Las Vegas or going to New York because he never has that following anyways. Anywhere he goes, he is going to be against the crowd. So, I think for him it is going to be one of those performances where it doesn’t make a difference if he is going to Tim Tsyzu’s hometown.”
Tszyu-Lara takes place at the Cbus Super Stadium in Queensland, Australia on Sunday 13 December.
Chris Billam-Smith vs Chev Clarke Live Updates: Round-by-Round Analysis from Zuffa Boxing 12
Chris Billam Smith vs Chev Clarke Live Updates: Round by Round Action from Zuffa Boxing 12
Robert Garcia Analyzes Tim Tszyus Odds Against Erislandy Lara | Boxing News
Chris Billam-Smith vs Chev Clarke Live Updates: Round-by-Round Analysis from Zuffa Boxing 12
Chris Billam Smith vs Chev Clarke Live Updates: Round by Round Action from Zuffa Boxing 12
Robert Garcia Analyzes Tim Tszyus Odds Against Erislandy Lara | Boxing News
Trending
-
MMA2 days agoDan Hooker calls Brian Ortega old while explaining quick UFC return
-
Boxing2 days agoTyson Fury Dismantles Wilders Career: A Turning Point in Their Ongoing Rivalry
-
Boxing2 days agoLiam Paro Set to Face Devin Haney at Chase Center for Title Showdown
-
Boxing2 days agoDevin Haney Confident Ahead of Dec. 19 Title Unification Battle with Liam Paro
-
MMA2 days agoTwo-time UFC champion ready to end slump after camp change: ‘Best I’ve felt in a very long time’
-
Boxing1 day agoOscar De La Hoya Analyzes Canelos Decision Victory Over Christian Mbilli for WBC Title
-
MMA1 day agoDana White calls out Islam Makhachev over UFC activity: ‘It backs up the division’
-
MMA1 day agoUFC champion reveals mother may have final say in retirement call: ‘I will obey her word’


