Ennis ready for top contenders, wants title fight in 2021

“Boots” still has the same goal in mind: a world title next year, and he’s ready for the contenders.

Jaron “Boots” Ennis continued his rise in the welterweight division on Saturday night, stopping Juan Carlos Abreu, who had never been stopped before, in the sixth round of their Showtime fight in Connecticut.

The 23-year-old Ennis (26-0, 24 KO) feels he once again showed he’s got skills on a truly elite level, and there are a lot of fans and media who would agree with that assessment.

“He was a good opponent who’s never been stopped. I know he’s fought some tough guys in the past,” Ennis said. “Compare what I did to what they did. It shows the different skill level and attributes that I have.”

Ennis felt that Abreu (23-6-1, 21 KO) tried to get himself disqualified to avoid a stoppage, too.

“He was frustrated because I was hitting him and making him look bad. He was doing anything he could do to not get stopped, even going for a DQ,” he said. “I knew I was going to stop him. I told you it was going to come. I just had fun with it. I’m different and I showed that tonight.”

Ennis has previously stated that his goal is to win a world title in 2021, and that he expected a win over Abreu could or would lead to an eliminator fight with one of the four sanctioning bodies. Nothing about Saturday changed his mind, and he says he’s ready for top opponents.

“I made a statement tonight and stopped someone who’s never been stopped,” he said. “Bring on the top 10 and top five guys or title eliminators. I’m coming for the championship next year.”