Eddie Hearn reveals incredible 2026 plans for Jaron 'Boots' Ennis

Jaron 'Boots' Ennis vs Terence Crawford in 2026?

Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis (34-0, 30 KOs) is preparing to make his move up to 154 lbs against Uisma Lima (14-1, 10 KOs) and is already targeting a super fight in the near future.

The bout - scheduled for October 11 at the Wells Fargo Centre, Philadelphia - will provide a tough test for Ennis; however, a win will set him up nicely for a title shot in the opening half of 2026.

Lima has enjoyed an incredible run of form, with his last three opponents all unbeaten heading into the ring against the 32-year-old.

He’s currently ranked within the top 10 with three of the four major governing bodies, so a win would catapult Ennis to super welterweight title contention.

Speaking to FightHype, promoter Eddie Hearn is enthusiastically optimistic surrounding Ennis’s future in the division.

“Once he beats Lima, we’ll be pushing for the [Terence] Crawford fight, because he’s the [WBA junior middleweight] champion still. I do think he’ll vacate at some point.

However, with Crawford preparing to take on Alvarez in September, he may not be ready for the quick turnaround fight Hearn is envisioning.

Additionally, if ‘Bud’ triumphs in September, he may not want to risk tarnishing his legacy unless he can secure a massive payday.

Instead, ‘Boots’ could chase an early 2026 matchup against Vergil Ortiz, and Hearn feels this is the most likely outcome. 

“I would say January or February, that kind of time,” Hearn said on Ennis fighting Vergil Ortiz Jr. in 2026.

There is still a long way to go before either of these prospective fights comes to fruition, and Hearn predicts his man is in for a tough test.

“I know Lima and his team. They’ve sent him away in the last three or four fights to people’s backyards, and he’s beaten everybody. They’re 15-0 and 17-0 fighters. This guy is a legit top 154-pounder.

“He’s top 10 with three governing bodies. He’s coming to change his life. He will stick it on ‘Boots’ and have a war. That’s what I want.”

Jaron Ennis vs Uisma Lima will be streamed live on DAZN.