Teddy Atlas has hight praise for a welterweight contender that recently moved to 31-0 in his professional career.
Atlas trained with legendary Cus D’Amato as an amateur before an injury saw him move to coaching. His greatest achievements in the corner came with Michael Moorer, and he also worked with Barry McGuigan and Alexandr Povetkin.
Now an outspoken pundit, he’s identified Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis as one to watch for fans – and fancies him for a 147lbs title shot soon.
“I think he’s ready to fight anyone in the world. Anyone. Including the two top guys, Crawford and Spence. He’ll get the winner probably – or at least you would hope so.
‘Boot’s is coming off a statement stoppage victory of Roiman Villa. The fight ended in the tenth largely due to Villa’s grit and bravery, and it was target practice for the American up until the final shot.
Atlas believes the 26-year-old is ‘a complete fighter.’
“He’s a complete package. First of all, he’s a very big welterweight, kind of like Spence, but he fights more like Crawford. He’s very dimensional, he can control range, counterpunch, fight inside or outside. He’s got good instincts, he times shots, he’s real solid and buttoned up technically and fundamentally.
Every once in a while he’ll make a mistake where you can touch him, like anybody. Where he’ll pose for a picture for a second. But I think when he’s with the top, top guys … where you can’t afford to cross a t or dot an i, instinct will take over and he won’t make those little mistakes.”
“Right now, he’s as good as anybody.”
For Ennis – who is indeed ready for a title shot – the frustration now lies in the fact that the belts are tied up with generational greats, Errol Spence Jr and Terence Crawford.
The pair will finally face off on July 29 in Las Vegas to crown an undisputed champion, and a contractual rematch clause means they will likely run it back.
In the meantime, ‘Boots’ will look to stay active against the other top contenders.