By Graham Ilford: Trainer Kenny Ellis thinks it’s a good idea for Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis and his promoter Eddie Hearn to be at the Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas this Saturday, November 8 for the Vergil Ortiz Jr. vs. Erickson ‘The Hammer’ Lubin (27-2, 19 KOs).
Ringside Strategy of Hearn
Ellis says that ‘Boots’ Ennis (35-0, 31 KO’s) will show the doubters first that he really is with Vergil jr. (23-0, 21 KOs) wants to fight. Many of them believe that ‘Boots’ Ortiz Jr. avoided out of fear. However, by showing up on Saturday, Ennis can show them that he wants to face WBC interim junior middleweight champion Vergil Jr.
‘Boots’ captured the WBA interim 154-lb title in a first-round knockout of Uisma Lima in his debut at junior middleweight last month on October 11, 2025 in Philadelphia. The performance showed that Ennis is a more powerful fighter than he was when he drained to 147, looking emaciated after the weigh-in.
Coach Ellis predicts that ‘Boots’ will be too much for Vergil Jr. will be if that fight takes place. He states that Ennis has too much on offense, defense and with his inside game for Ortiz Jr.
Answer the Ducking demands
“I think it’s a good idea to shut up the naysayers who say ‘Boots’ don’t want it, but Erickson Lubin has a chance to derail the whole plan,” coach Kenny Ellis said. MillCity Boxing when asked about his thoughts on Jaron ‘Boot’ Ennis and his promoter Eddie Hearn planning to be in the top spot for the Vergil Ortiz Jr. vs. Erickson Lubin fight this Saturday, November 8th.
Kenny says Lubin has the advantage in punching power and boxing skills. Having those two things on his side gives him a good chance to win on Saturday, provided he can handle the pressure from Ortiz Jr. can handle He will attack Erickson relentlessly in the same way that Sebastian Fundora did in his ninth round stoppage victory over ‘The Hammer’ on April 9, 2022.
Ellis: Ennis has every advantage
“I think ‘Boots’ is a bit too much for him,” Ellis says of his thoughts on a fight between Ennis and Vergil Jr. “Inside, outside, boxing, offense, defense, a little bit of everything. ‘Boots’ has faced a style that Ortiz brings several times, and he’s taken his opponents apart every time.”
If Lubin wins, everything changes
If Lubin wins on Saturday, he will complete the plans for Ennis and Vergil Jr. to fight disrupted. Depending on what deals are offered to him, ‘The Hammer’ Lubin could face ‘Boots’ Ennis or possibly reconsider Fundora. Ortiz Jr. will have to rebuild. It wouldn’t be smart for him to face Ennis coming off a loss to Erickson.
“I think ‘Hammer’ brings the power to the table and the box,” Kenny said of what Lubin faced against Ortiz Jr. do for him But if he stays out of the gym, I’m going to rock with Ortiz.”
Graham Ilford is a veteran boxing columnist who has returned to writing after a decade-long hiatus. Known for his sardonic tone and dry humor, he examines promoters, fighters and the business of the sport with the perspective of someone who has seen every era of hype repeat itself.
Last updated on 11/03/2025
