In the world of boxing, talent alone is often not enough to propel a fighter to stardom. This is the case for Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis, a promising IBF welterweight champion who has caught the eye of many, including commentator Chris Algieri. Algieri believes that Ennis has the potential to become the biggest star in boxing, but he raises a valid question – does Ennis have the financial backing to secure the important fights needed to make that leap to stardom?
Ennis is in need of someone with the financial means to set up the fights he requires to showcase his skills and catapult his career to the next level. His Excellency Turki Alalshikh is one such individual who could potentially provide Ennis with the necessary support. However, it remains uncertain whether Turki would be willing to assist the young talent. Turki has shown interest in backing fighters like Terence Crawford, Anthony Joshua, and Tyson Fury, but Ennis is yet to capture the same level of attention.
At just 27 years old, Ennis is not yet a household name in the world of boxing. When compared to legendary fighters like Oscar De La Hoya, Ennis’ career trajectory falls short. By the time De La Hoya reached the age of 27, he had already achieved significant milestones, including winning four division world titles and facing off against a roster of well-known opponents. In contrast, Ennis has been poorly promoted, leaving his potential untapped and his future uncertain.
Ennis recently signed with a new promoter, Eddie Hearn, who was initially believed to have deep pockets that could propel Ennis to stardom. However, Hearn’s reluctance to pay $2.2 million to negotiate a fight with WBO welterweight champion Brian Norman Jr. and his loss of a purse bid for Ennis’ defense against Karen Chukhadzhian hint at the challenges Ennis faces in securing high-profile fights. As Algieri pointed out, Ennis is not getting the fights he needs to elevate his status in the sport, and this lack of exposure is hindering his growth as a boxer.
Despite the obstacles Ennis faces in his quest for boxing glory, there is still hope for the talented young fighter. While his dream of becoming an undisputed champion at welterweight may seem distant given the current circumstances, Ennis has the opportunity to carve out a path to success if he remains dedicated to his goals. It may take time and persistence, especially if negotiations for fights against other champions in the welterweight division continue to be challenging.
In the words of Chris Algieri, “Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis could easily take over the sport.” The potential is undeniable, but the reality of the boxing industry is harsh. Without the right promoter and financial backing, even the most talented fighters can struggle to make their mark. As Ennis navigates the complexities of the sport and works towards establishing himself as a formidable presence in the ring, the challenges he faces will only serve to test his resilience and determination. Only time will tell if Ennis can rise above the obstacles in his path and claim his rightful place among the boxing greats.