Jaron “Boots” Ennis successfully held onto his Interim IBF Welterweight Title with an incredible 10th-round technical knockout (TKO) against the determined 147-pound contender, Roiman Villa. The fight was the main event on SHOWTIME this Saturday night, taking place at the Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J. The event was organized by Premier Boxing Champions. The knockout punch combination from Ennis that floored Villa and ended the fight.
Reflecting on his performance, Ennis said, “I did well, although I could have listened to my corner’s advice more closely. My father wanted me to target the body more, provide various angles, and avoid standing directly in front of him. I got hit by punches that I shouldn’t have been. I commend Villa for accepting this fight. I tip my hat to him and his family. I respect him for stepping in the ring and showing such courage.”
Not too far from his Philadelphia home, Ennis (31-0, 28 KOs) showcased his dominance in front of a supportive crowd. He maintained control early on, strategically picking his moments against a determined Villa (26-2, 24 KOs). He began by dominating with his jabs before barraging Villa with powerful punches during the middle rounds.
Post some intense rounds three to five, Ennis struck Villa with a significant overhand right in the sixth round, causing him to stagger for the first time. Despite this, Villa displayed the grit that has placed him high in the welterweight rankings, throwing punches to stay in the fight. However, it seemed like he lost some of his initial power after this hit.
Ennis stated, “I was systematically breaking him down, and in the end, I emerged victorious. I was aware of his toughness. My strategy was to stay sharp, take my time, keep landing punches, and I knew eventually I would get to him. I had been setting him up.”
Through rounds seven and eight, Ennis relentlessly landed punches, causing blood to splatter from Villa. Despite receiving extensive checks from the ringside doctor after these rounds, Villa courageously continued, hoping to turn the tide. The fight culminated in the 10th round, with Ennis delivering a brutal one-two punch that sent Villa crashing to the canvas, prompting referee David Fields to call a halt to the bout.
“I landed a hefty left hand and knew he was going down,” Ennis said. “I waited for the left shot, threw a hook, and I knew he was going down, so I threw one more, and that was it. I was certain they would stop the fight.”
Ennis, who reigned supreme in the CompuBox stats with a remarkable 164 to 57 lead in power shots, made it clear he plans to keep competing against top fighters in the highly competitive welterweight division.
“I want to face the winner of Errol Spence and Terence Crawford,” stated Ennis. “I am ready for Eimantas Stanionis anytime. I am aiming for one more bout before the year ends, making it three fights in total. I am open to fighting Stanionis, Keith Thurman, Yordenis Ugas, and all the top contenders. Let’s get these fights organized.”