Jaron “Boots” Ennis continues to prove why he’s one of the most exciting and dangerous fighters in the sport today. Making his debut at 154 pounds, Boots didn’t just win—he dominated. He stopped Lima in the very first round, delivering a performance that left no doubt he’s ready to take over another division.

From the opening bell, Ennis came out sharp, composed, and explosive. He hurt Lima early with a perfectly timed uppercut, followed by a clean left hook that sent him to the canvas. After Lima got up, Boots went right back to work, throwing crisp combinations and landing another hook that dropped him again. Although Lima showed heart by getting up, it was clear he was badly hurt, and the referee wisely stopped the fight before more damage was done.

This was a statement win for Boots—short, dominant, and explosive. He showed that his power, speed, and timing translate perfectly to 154 pounds. After the fight, Ennis called out all the champions in the division, showing he’s not just here to participate—he’s here to conquer.

If there’s one fight that makes sense next, it’s Boots Ennis vs. Bakhram Murtazaliev for the IBF title. Murtazaliev is coming off a big knockout win over Tim Tszyu and has proven he’s a real threat at 154. That would be a true test and a great matchup for both men. Another exciting option would be a showdown with Vergil Ortiz Jr., which would be fireworks from start to finish.

The 154-pound division is heating up fast, and with Boots now in the mix, things just got even more interesting. He’s clearly ready for the top dogs—and based on what we saw in his debut, they better be ready for him too.

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