WBA junior middleweight champion Abass Baraou says he “could be down for a fight” against Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis next after watching him capture the interim 154-lb title with a first-round knockout of Uisma Lima last Saturday night in Philadelphia.
(Credit: Emma Brawley Matchroom Boxing)
Baraou Throws His Name within the ‘Boots’ Hat
Baraou (17-1, 9 KOs) would really like to check his skills against the unbeaten Ennis (35-0, 31 KOs) if the match will be negotiated. He says he brings a whole lot of pressure, and could be looking forward to seeing how ‘Boots’ deals with that.
“I could be down for a fight like this. I’m willing to fight ‘Boots,’” said WBA junior middleweight champion Abass Baraou to Pro Boxing Fans about his interest in defending against Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis.
Eddie Hearn Eyes Ortiz, But Baraou Waits
Ennis and his promoter, Eddie Hearn, each mentioned Abass’ name on the post-fight press conference last Saturday night after he did a first-round demolition job against Lima (14-2, 10 KOs) on the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia. Nevertheless, they each made it known that they would really like to fight Vergil Ortiz Jr. next if possible.
“I’m looking forward to creating an excellent fight. I bring a whole lot of pressure. I might like to see how he deals with a fighter like me. He could be an opponent for me to prove that I’m the most effective,” said Abass.
Baraou was elevated to the WBA 154 champion on September 21-23, 2025. This was shortly after the previous champion, Terence Crawford, vacated the title on September 13. For Baraou to place himself in line for the elevation, he defeated WBA interim junior middleweight champion Yoenis Tellez by a 12-round unanimous decision on August 23, 2025, in Orlando, Florida.
“Top Rank has reached out to make a unification with Xander. Vergil Ortiz can also be an opponent I would like to check myself against. We’re looking forward to creating the subsequent great fight occur. I just like the Xander fight,” said Baraou.
Can Baraou Tempt Ennis Right into a Title Showdown?
It could be a clever move for Baraou to go within the direction of a unification fight against WBO champion Xander Zayas to select up his belt to make use of as a lure to entice ‘Boots’ Ennis to face him. Having only one title may not be enough for Baraou to interest ‘Boots’ and Hearn.
Dan Ambrose has covered boxing since 2011, bringing fans insight into the game’s biggest fights.
Last Updated on 10/12/2025