By: Ken Hissner
The best Philly prospect since 1984 Olympic Gold Medal Winner Meldrick Taylor just won his 19th fight and 17th by stoppage. Yes, that’s Jaron “Boots” Ennis out of his father’s Bozy’s Dungeon in North Philly.
Promoter Chris Middendorf informed this writer that Saturday at the Masonic Temple in Norfolk, VA, stopping his opponent Ghana’s veteran Sam Amoako, 23-17, out of Silver Spring, MD, in the first round. Amoako had been stopped twice before but never this fast inside of a round. He had gone 10 full rounds with now No. 13 WBO contender Thomas “Cornflake” LaManna in his previous fight.
It all started when “Boots” father signed him with manager Cameron Dunkin as his co-manager based on Dunkin’s relationship with former Philly boxer Anthony “the Messenger” Thompson being one of Dunkin’s former boxers.
Dunkin hooked up with his friend promoter Chris Middendorf of Victory Promotions and they teamed up for “Boots” pro debut April 30th 2016 at the Dixie Convention Center in St. George, Utah, promoted by Victory Promotions. Ennis ended the bout with a knockout in 0:42 seconds of the first round. In May in his Philly debut another first round stoppage but in only 0:23. In June in Springfield, VA, a knockout in 0:20. In July he had a stoppage at 1:34 of the 4th round in Rio Rancho, NM. In In August he scored a knockout at 2:52 of the 2nd round at the Grundy Arena, in Bristol, PA. In September back in Philly winning a 4 round decision and again in Philly’s 2300 Arena, in November same place in his first 6 with a stoppage after 4 rounds. In December a stoppage at 0:55 the 6th at Philly’s SugarHouse Casino.
In January of 2017 it was time to step it up for “Boots” with some winning record veterans to “learn the business” as well as possible. Elvin Perez, 28-16-4, was knocked out in 0:35 of the first round at the 2300 Arena. Same facility in March against veteran James Winchester, 20-12, one of the dirtiest fighters out there scoring 60-53 on all 3 score cards over 6. In May his first appearance at the Masonic Temple in Norfolk stopping Eduardo Flores, 25-26-3, at 1:57 of the fourth.
In June for “Boots” it was Wilfredo Acuna, 16-20, who was knockout in 1:23 of the first back at the 2300 Arena. Less than 3 weeks later Robert Hill, 6-32-1, lasted into the 3rd round at the Durham Arena, in NC. In August Ricardo Cano, 17-13-8, was knocked out 0:40 of the first in an 8, at the Howard Theatre in DC. In September Lionel Jimenez, 3-18-1, was knocked out at 2:43 of the first at the National Guard Armory, in Hammond, IND. In October Ayi Bruce, 23-14, was stopped at 1:37 of the first in a 6 in Springfield, VA. Rounding out 2017 it was George Sosa, 15-10-1, was knocked out at 1:09 of the second in an 8.
Opening up 2018 “Boots” stopped Gustavo Garibay, 13-9-2, at 2:14 of the 4th in a 6 back at the SugarHouse Casino. That brought him up to last Saturdays first round stoppage in an 8 at the Masonic Temple in Norfolk.
Middendorf had this to say about “Boots” defeating Amoako: He overwhelmed Sam Amoako in the first round, landing multiple combinations. He crushed him at the end of the round with a body shot. Amoako took a knee and the ref waved it off. Amoako showed no desire to continue.
As for the future “Boots” next fight will be announced this week per Middendorf and added: We knew when we signed “Boots” he knew how to fight. We knew he had a great team with him and in Philly there was talented and varied sparring (“The New” Ray Robinson also trained by “Bozy”). Our goal was to get him fighting pro and get his fights around the country and on some level stay under the radar so he could develop with as few distractions as possible. It is clear now that he is ready to step up his fights and start gaining a foothold in the rankings.
Remember he is still a few months short of his 21st birthday! (June 26th) “Boots” and his team have worked hard to get to this point, and they are ready to really move forward. It has been a great run to get these 19 wins in less than two years. Cameron Dunkin and I are excited and confident in “Boots” as he meets the challenges ahead.
“Boots” gave away some weight and took it to Amoako with body shots that were unbelievable. He dropped him and the guy didn’t want to get up,” said “Bozy” Ennis. The next fight should be in Atlantic City for a (minor) title.