'You reap what you sow when you handpick your opponents,' Keith Thurman bluntly stated in reaction to Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis’s explosive first-round TKO victory. With his own fight against Sebastian Fundora temporarily on hold, Thurman found himself with some unexpected free time, which he used to sit down with Fight Hub TV for a candid conversation. The recent bout between Ennis and Uisma Lima, which ended in under a round, was a hot topic, and Thurman didn’t hold back. Here’s a deeper dive into his thoughts.
Thurman’s Take on Ennis’s Dominant Performance
“That’s the outcome when you carefully select your tune-up fights,” Thurman remarked. “Honestly, I didn’t recognize his opponent, and I’m not alone in that. I’m more focused on family these days than analyzing every fighter out there, but it’s clear this wasn’t a high-profile matchup. Still, Boots did what he does best—he smelled blood early and capitalized on it.”
Thurman praised Ennis’s ability to finish fights once he gains the upper hand. “He started calm and collected, but once he saw an opening, it was over quickly. That’s Boots’s strength—he’s a ruthless finisher when he gets you in trouble.”
But here’s where it gets controversial... Thurman wasn’t shy about questioning Ennis’s path to stardom. “He looks strong at 154 pounds, no doubt, but let’s not crown him king just yet. One first-round knockout against a handpicked opponent doesn’t make you the best. There’s a ton of talent at 154. If he wants to prove himself, he should take on someone like the Vergil Ortiz vs. Erickson Lubin winner or even Jermell Charlo on his comeback trail.”
On the Possibility of Facing Ennis in the Ring
Thurman has long seen Ennis as a potential future opponent but expressed frustration with the lack of transparency during Ennis’s time with PBC. “His name came up once, and it felt like an afterthought. If you want to make Thurman vs. Boots happen, just be straightforward. Tell me it’s the best fight available and ask if I’m in. If it had been presented that way, you’d have already seen us in the ring together.”
And this is the part most people miss... Thurman’s frustration isn’t just about Ennis—it’s about the broader matchmaking process. “Sometimes, fighters’ names are thrown around without any real intention of making the fight. It’s all talk until someone steps up and makes it happen.”
Addressing Eddie Hearn’s Claims
When asked about Eddie Hearn’s statement that Thurman was offered a fight against Ennis, Thurman was unequivocal. “That’s simply not true. Eddie, stop spreading misinformation. It’s fake news.”
A Thought-Provoking Question for You
Does Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis deserve the hype he’s getting, or does he need to prove himself against tougher competition? And is Keith Thurman right to call out the lack of transparency in matchmaking? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is a debate worth having!
