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by John DiSanto |
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In 2021, Jaron "Boots" Ennis galvanized his reputation as the hottest potential future champion around. During the year, he dispatched two strong opponents to stay on track for his first world title opportunity, which should come in 2022. In April, Ennis knocked out former IBF junior welterweight champion Sergey Lipinets in six rounds, scoring knockdowns in rounds four and six. Then in October, he rolled over former title challenger Thomas Dulorme in one round. Both knockouts, each broadcast live on Showtime, solidified Jaron's contention for the welterweight crown. Neither of these wins were upsets, but still both made fans and experts certain Ennis looked like a future champion. It was the complete domination of both opponents and display of skill by the rising Philadelphian that forced even the slowest of band wagon-jumpers to stop hesitating and join the party. Because of his continued exhibition of high level of ability and the excitement that he generated during the year, Ennis will receive the "One to Watch" award at this year's Briscoe Awards.
Early in his career, some compared Ennis to Meldrick Taylor, a compliment indeed. However, after 2021, experts began comparing him to Roy Jones Jr., a fighter that most feel is one of the all-time greats. Talk about a vote of confidence.
Ennis won this same award once before as a young rising prospect who looked like a solid bet to climb the ranks and make his name. This time, he wins the award as the fighter on the Philly scene most poised to win a world title - as soon as he gets the chance. Further, Ennis was a runner-up for Fighter of the Year and Knockout of the Year, and was in the running for Breakout Fighter of the Year. In any case, Ennis is the local boxer everyone is watching and thus, a great choice as the "One to Watch".
There are still more Briscoe Award winners to be announced. Watch this website and social media for the names of those winners. The Briscoe Awards event will be held in the Spring, location and date to be announced in the near future. |
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