Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn recently engaged in a discussion with Fight Hype regarding the latest developments in the boxing world. One of the key topics was Jaron 'Boots' Ennis seemingly declining an offer to fight against Vergil Ortiz. Hearn shed light on the situation, revealing that an offer was made for Boots to face Ortiz at 154 pounds, but Boots had limited time to consider it. Instead, he expressed his preference to remain at 147 pounds for a title unification, emphasizing that he had never had the chance to defeat an actual world champion in the ring.

Unraveling the Boots Ennis - Vergil Ortiz Dilemma

Details of the Offer and Boots' Decision

According to Hearn, after Boots' last fight, he mentioned in the ring that he might move up to 154 pounds and needed some time. They began discussing the boxing landscape and made offers to 147-pound fighters for a unification fight against Boots. Additionally, talks were held with (Alalshikh) about an Ortiz vs. Boots fight. When the initial offer came in at 147 pounds, it surprised Hearn. He double-checked and was confirmed that it was actually at 154 pounds. He then spoke to Boots and asked him to make a decision - whether to move to 154 or stay and unify at 147. Boots responded by saying he wanted to unify at 147 and needed about 24 to 48 hours to make a decision. Hearn explained that while everyone loves the Ortiz fight, it was not something they would do at the moment. Boots will be in a big fight at 147 next, and he will not be moving to 154 to fight someone else.This decision was based on Boots' desire to unify at 147 and his belief that he had never truly won a championship at that weight. He won the interim title and was upgraded to the full champion, and he wants to fight a champion at 147. Hearn respected Boots' decision and understood his reasoning.

Hearn's Personal Preference for Boots' Next Move

Hearn revealed that he wants to see Boots unify. The frustration was that they couldn't unify before and Boots had to fight Chukhadzhian. Ideally, they would have unified earlier, and Hearn thinks Boots might have taken the Ortiz fight if that had happened. He loves the fight against Ortiz and believes it would be a great matchup in terms of style. However, when Boots told him he wanted to stay at 147 to unify, Hearn couldn't blame him. Boots is up for any fight in the division but feels he needs to prove himself as a 147-pound champion first.Hearn also mentioned that Boots was disappointed with the fan reaction. If it was a defense of his 147-pound title or if he was a 154-pound fighter and turned down the offer, there would be more grounds for criticism. But since it's not his weight class, the decision is simple. If he moves to 154, the Ortiz fight would be the perfect one for him.Hearn emphasized that he needs to deliver something big for Boots after this decision. If they turn down the Ortiz fight, they better provide a fight that fans will appreciate. He promised that when they make their decision, fans will understand and see the value in it.