JARON ENNIS is fast rising to the top of boxing as one of the most promising prospects in the sport.
The welterweight champion is only 24 years old and has won 28 fights, 26 knockouts, and boasts a stunning, switch-hitting style.
Jaron Ennis is fast punching his way to
the top of boxing.
Ennis, who has been a professional for just five years, has already won praise from everyone, even boxing royalty, and put the game on notice.
The man known as 'Boots,' who has watched his brothers Farah and Derek campaign in fights as pros, is no stranger to success in the boxing game.
There is no danger that the overwhelming hype and plaudits that are coming his way will overwhelm him.
SunSport hears Ennis say: "Everything's the same to me. There's no pressure.
"I have been playing the game since I was a baby. I have been playing the game for 24 years.
"I had two brothers who were professional boxers so I was able see them fighting on Showtime, ESPN and other channels.
"So, this was all normal to me."
Derrick Sr. trained Ennis. He has an amazing combination of speed, timing, and power.
It has also led to comparisons with Floyd Mayweather and Roy Jones Jr.
Ennis says, "I have my own style. But people always say Roy Jones and Pernell Whittaker combined." Some people say Roy and Floyd.
"Now, I'm beginning to hear Sugar Ray Leonard and Tommy Hearns. There are many combinations that people can make.
"They are great names, but I feel like they have my style and my own swag. Many of these guys don’t do it like I do."
Ennis is rated among the top six by each governing body, and up to three with the IBF.
His undisputed skill and undefeated record are justifiable, not only for his rank but also for the admiration he receives from fans and pundits alike.
But non more came higher than comments made by retired 50-0 icon Mayweather, who said of Ennis: “I feel like he doesn’t get the credit that he deserves.
"We don't talk much about him. We talk about a lot other fighters at welterweight." He's a problem now, I think he's going to be a problem."
Ennis responded, saying: "I appreciate all of the love and recognition Floyd showed me.
"I appreciated it when he spoke about me in the interview. It gave me more motivation and determination to continue to climb the ladder."
Ennis has only Sergey Lipinets (32), as his former light-welterweight champion despite all the talent and promise he has displayed.
He also had a no-contest after he lost to Chris van Heerden (34), in round one of their December 2020 fight.
Ennis is looking for a party that will bring out his inner man - a win that stamps his claim to a title shot. He knows the right opponent.
He said: "I feel like Keith Thurman was a good name because he's been there with everyone.
“So if I can’t get them world champions or the No1 spot, I feel like Keith Thurman would be a great name to beat.
"He was a world champion and beat the top guys."
In his time as the unified champion, Thurman, 32 has defeated Shawn Porter (34), and Danny Garcia (33).
He hasn't returned to the scene since his defeat to Manny Pacquaio (42), in July 2019, and also claims to not know who Ennis really is.
Ennis believes that this is intentional, and not an accident.
He says, "I heard him saying that." He says, "I heard him say that." How is that possible?
"Spence Porter Crawford Crawford, Porter Crawford, all those guys know me but he doesn't?" Is he out of the loop?
"At the end, I feel that he just respects my skills, and doesn't want to know me at all." He is trying to be a nuisance."
Ennis is in the fortunate position of having not one but two elite fighters in his weight division who are considered to be in the top ten in the world.
He is still waiting for Terence Crawford (34), and Errol Spence Jr. (31), to decide who is the welterweight No1.
Ennis said: "It is a great thing having two pound-for pound men in the same weight as myself.
"I hope they fight each other. Then I can go in there and fight one or both of them."
Ennis is well placed to challenge Crawford, the WBO champion who will fight Porter on November 20.
He could have it his way and it would happen sooner than anyone can predict.
Ennis said: "Honestly, it feels like it could happen next. However, it is likely that there will be one or two more fights.
In under two minutes, the Philadelphian knocked out Thomas Dulorme (Puerto Rico), a 31-year-old Puerto Rican.
Already Ennis is back at the gym, continuing his journey to welterweight glory.
