Jaron Ennis is one of the fastest-rising stars in boxing. The 27-year-old has made waves within the welterweight division with his speed, power and charisma. It won't be long now until he potentially enters pound-for-pound conversations.
Ennis (31-0) recently went from interim to full-time IBF welterweight champion. Looking to face the likes of former undisputed champion Terence Crawford, he must first get past David Avanesyan on Saturday, July 13. The fight at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia airs on DAZN.
The Philly-born Ennis, a two-time Golden Gloves medalist, returns home for the first time since 2018. Now with Matchroom Boxing, Ennis is ready to show the world what he can do.
Nicknamed “Boots,” the man with 28 wins via knockout is looking to steal the show. Here is all you need to know about Ennis, including how he got his nickname.
MORE: How good can Jaron 'Boots' Ennis be?
Jaron Ennis record, bio
Ennis started boxing after seeing his brother fight in front of a live crowd in Philadelphia. He fell in love with the sport as a result.
“It was a big inspiration because when they was fighting at Philly, and I was seeing the atmosphere with the crowd cheering them on, I’m like I want this for myself,” Ennis told FanSided. “Once they started fighting on TV, I’m like I can’t wait to fight on TV. It gave me more motivation to be who I am now. I thank my brothers for that.”
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A 2014 silver and 2015 gold Golden Gloves medalist, Ennis made his pro debut in 2016. He fought six times that year and nine times in 2017. Ennis beat Karen Chukhadzhian to start 2023 to become the interim IBF welterweight champion. He defended it once before being elevated to full-time champion.
Why is Jaron Ennis nicknamed 'Boots'?
In an interview with FanSided, Ennis stated that his nickname originally was "Boops" by his mother. However, inside the boxing gym at a young age, the name was mistaken as “Boots.” He gives credit to Derrick “Bozy” Ennis, his father and trainer.
MORE: Who is the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world?
“Once I started going to the gym when I was little, my dad was calling my name, and everybody thought my dad was saying "Boots,” like the shoes. So we just kept it and stuck with it,” Ennis stated.
Jaron Ennis' net worth
Per Players Wiki and Popular Net Worth, Ennis' net worth is around $300,000, though that could increase after a new deal with Matchroom.
Comparing him to other stars in the welterweight division, per Celebrity Net Worth, Errol Spence Jr. has a net worth of around $15 million. Terence Crawford has a net worth of $18 million.