It takes just two seconds for even the most casual of boxing fans to realize how special Jaron “Boots” Ennis is.
On offense, the 26-year-old seems to have it all. His jab is crisp and sharp, his right hook is deadly, his left is deleterious, and his inside game is on point. What makes Ennis unique is his ability to operate equally as effective out of both stances. But while his offensive game is already being compared to games greats, his defense has been chastised at times.
Ennis though, isn’t sweating those who are shredding him while him giving him defensive tips. If you simply sift through the upper echelon of the sport, Ennis believes that many will realize that his defense is better than most.
“I don’t know what y’all be watching but I get hit less than y’all favorite fighters,” said Ennis on his social media account.
Ennis’ defensive chops were on point against Roiman Villa this past weekend. No matter how hard he tried, the Colombian was unable to land a significant blow that could change the momentum.
Instead, Ennis rolled with the punches that came sloppily in his direction. Ennis toyed with Villa, pounded him whenever he wanted, and made sure he got out of harm’s way.
Each appearance for Ennis leads to a different spectacular ending but there’s one thing that remains the same. On fight night, Ennis rolls out of bed, brushes his hair, combs his beard, and heads to the arena. By the time he leaves that squared circle, he makes his way to the back room and checks the first mirror he can find. If his defense was so horrific, Ennis would love to know why his opponents aren’t able to leave any war wounds?
“I come out of every fight looking the same way I did going in ( no cuts / bruises / knots / bloody nose / neither eye shut ) none of that ! Defense always nice & sharp.”