Philly’s boxing pedigree has expanded with the rise of undefeated welterweight, Jaron “Boots” Ennis.
Ennis (26-0, 24 KOs) faces his most difficult test in pursuit of a world title shot against former world champion Sergey Lipinets.
WATCH: Exclusive Jaron Ennis Interview link below
We chop it up with @jaronennis who fights @unionsamurai tomorrow on @shosports https://t.co/aDAIdoGrnU #ennislipinets #prittylefthook
— Rhett Butler (@rhettebutler) April 9, 2021
The pressure is on as he headlines his first Showtime Championship Boxing match. These formidable contenders meet in a 12-round, crossroads fight with welterweight world title implications this Saturday, April 10th live from the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. in a Premier Boxing Champions event.
“This is the type of fight I’ve been waiting for, ” said Ennis. “I can’t wait to perform and put on a beautiful show. Y’all will see something special out of me come fight night. I’m excited to be the main event. It’s time for me to shine!”
It’s about to go down 🥊 @JaronEnnis & @unionsamurai battle in the ring TOMORROW 9pm ET on @Showtime #EnnisLipinets pic.twitter.com/LNtKWjXTN7
— SHOWTIME Boxing (@ShowtimeBoxing) April 9, 2021
Ennis is the latest in the pantheon of outstanding Philadelphia fighters, combining sublime boxing skills with natural power in both hands.
After numerous appearances on ShoBox: The New Generation, the 23-year-old Ennis has graduated to headlining. Heading into his last bout against Chris van Heerden, Ennis was riding a streak of 16 consecutive knockouts.
That streak ended when the fight was stopped after the first round due to an accidental clash of heads that opened a severe cut on the forehead of Van Heerden.
“Whatever he brings, I’m going to be ready for it. We don’t look at anybody as a stepping stone but this fight is going to take me to the next level. I can do a bunch of different things and my opponent doesn’t know how I’m going to come out.
He just needs to know I’m ready and this is the hardest I’ve ever worked to get ready for a fight. I’ve been waiting for this opportunity for a very long time and I finally got a guy with a name and now it’s my time to shine and show the world my talent and show them that I’m not to be played with.”
-Jaron “Boots” Ennis
"Everyone knows my skill. I'm in and out like a robber. I plan to look good, put on a dominant performance, and end the night." @JaronEnnis
#EnnisLipinets pic.twitter.com/x5bBfBiOmN— SHOWTIME Boxing (@ShowtimeBoxing) April 8, 2021
The 31-year-old Lipinets (16-1-1, 12 KOs) established himself as a force at 140 pounds when he won the IBF world title with a victory over Akihiro Kondo in 2017.
Born in Kazakhstan and representing Russia, Lipinets now lives in Woodland Hills, California and is trained by renowned trainer Joe Goossen. Lipinets is coming off a hard-fought majority draw against undefeated Custio Clayton in October 2020.
“We have a tough, young fighter in Ennis who thinks I’m a stepping stone for him, ” said Lipinets. “But sometimes stepping stones trip you up, and I’ll be doing my best to trip him up on April 10. I’m just doing my best to get prepared for what I expect to be a dog fight.
“Every fan that knows boxing knows that this is going to be a real war and worth tuning in for. I expect we’ll be fighting in a phone booth at times, but I also expect him to try to use his reach and fight me at a distance at times. But no matter what he does, I’ll be ready for him.”
.@JaronEnnis is ready to prove the hype is real 💥
Watch #EnnisLipinets Saturday on @Showtime. pic.twitter.com/xJwX5wweF2
— SHOWTIME Boxing (@ShowtimeBoxing) April 5, 2021
Lipinets lost the title to four-division world champion Mikey Garcia in 2018 and then moved up to welterweight in 2019.
He served notice that he would be a contender at welterweight when he scored an impressive stoppage victory over two-division champion Lamont Peterson in 2019.
“Ennis vs. Lipinets is a fantastic fight in the welterweight division that pits an ascending force in Ennis against a former world champion in Lipinets,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions.
“It’s a very competitive fight that presents a fascinating clash of styles and will have big implications on the future of the 147-pound division.”
The event is promoted by TGB Promotions.
