Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis looks to continue his undefeated streak in the 147lbs ranks against 26-1 hard-hitting Roiman Villa.
The PBC and Showtime staged card in Atlantic City sees the enigmatic ‘Boots’ return to the ring following a unanimous decision victory over Karen Chukhadzhian back in January.
It took his tally to 30-0 with 27 early finishes, and the winning trend is something he expects to continue.
He’ll defend his IBF Interim title and is looking for a statement performance after interrupting a 19 fight knockout streak by going the distance with Chukhadzhian at the start of the year.
He believes he can make it happen against a static Villa.
“A victory over Villa keeps me going toward my goal. A lot of people say that he’s a power-puncher, but we’ll see on Saturday night. I’m coming to make a big statement and get a stoppage.
“I’m ready for anybody. But right now, we have business to take care of. I’m focused on Roiman Villa and then we’ll worry about what’s next.
Going the distance in my last fight didn’t put any pressure on me leading up to this one. Everyone fell for the trap. I wanted guys to want to fight me. I had been scaring everyone off.
Villa is gonna be right there in front of me not moving his head. He’s a good fighter, but he’s throwing wild hooks. He’s gonna have a long night.
It’s the ‘Boots’ Ennis show now. I’m gonna go out there and have fun. I’m gonna set up the knockout and be sharp and box beautifully.”
Villa, however, is here to spoil the party. He’s no stranger to upsetting the odds, having done so in his last fight with Rashidi Ellis. Ellis was onto big things but a promotional change causing inactivity and a well-prepared Villa saw him lose by majority decision – after being dropped twice – in just his second fight under the PBC banner.
The Venezuelan Believes the same fate is already written for ‘Boots.’
“You may think the winner of this fight will be the most prepared or the one with the best technique, but I believe that it’s already decided. I put my faith in that and that’s why I’m so confident. I’m here for a reason and I’m gonna come out on top Saturday.”
Should Ennis come out on top as the odds predict, he’s well placed to be challenging for world titles soon, and will have a keen eye on the undisputed bout between Errol Spence Jr and Terence Crawford – particularly what happens to the belts in the aftermath.