Jaron “Boots” Ennis, the dynamic unified WBA and WBO Super Welterweight champion, has laid out an ambitious two-fight plan to become the division’s undisputed king. He’s prioritizing clashes with IBF titleholder Josh Kelly and WBC champion Sebastian Fundora. This strategic move, confirmed by his promoter Eddie Hearn, signals that a highly anticipated showdown with rival Vergil Ortiz Jr. will have to wait for now.
Hearn made it clear on The Punch Podcast that Ennis’s immediate focus is collecting all the belts at 154 pounds. This strategy aims to crown an undisputed champion in the super-welterweight division, setting up a clear hierarchy at the top. It’s a calculated decision designed to elevate Ennis’s legacy above mere grudge matches.
Ennis’s two-fight plan to become undisputed
The Philadelphia-born fighter, with an intimidating professional record of 35 wins, 31 by knockout, and no losses, has demonstrated a relentless drive. Ennis first announced himself at welterweight, where he was elevated to IBF world champion after Terence Crawford vacated the belt in 2023. This set the stage for further divisional dominance.
He then unified the welterweight division in April 2025, delivering a knockout victory over WBA champion Eimantas Stanionis. After conquering the 147-pound weight class, Ennis made a seamless transition to super-welterweight, showcasing his power and skill against new challengers.
A dominant arrival at 154 pounds
Ennis’s debut at 154 pounds in October 2025 was nothing short of explosive. He dispatched Uisma Lima inside the first round, quickly claiming the interim WBA title in his new division. This impressive performance immediately put the super-welterweight division on notice.
The initial plan for Ennis was a grudge match against Vergil Ortiz Jr., a fight that stirred significant fan interest. However, a dispute between Ortiz and Golden Boy Promotions led to the cancellation of that bout, forcing Ennis to pivot to other opportunities. He seized a significant chance for unification.
On June 27, 2026, Ennis faced the previously undefeated Xander Zayas, stopping the Puerto Rican in the seventh round. This dominant display earned him the WBO junior middleweight belt, unifying his WBA title and establishing him as a major force at 154 pounds. He showed why he’s considered a top prospect.
Promoter reveals clear two-fight plan for undisputed glory
Despite persistent whispers about revisiting the Ortiz fight, promoter Eddie Hearn has unequivocally outlined a different path for “Boots.” Speaking on The Punch Podcast, Hearn emphasized that Ennis is driven by a desire for “legacy and belts,” prioritizing championship gold over other potential matchups. This outlook is central to the promoter Eddie Hearn‘s strategy.
“I think that Boots will probably fight Josh Kelly next for the three belts, then the winner will fight Fundora and we’ve got one undisputed champion,” Hearn stated. This clear two-step process aims to consolidate all four major titles in the super-welterweight division, leaving no doubt about the top fighter. It’s a strategy designed for maximum impact.
Josh Kelly targeted for immediate unification bout
The first hurdle in Ennis’s ambitious Jaron Ennis two-fight plan is IBF super-welterweight champion Josh Kelly. This matchup presents several logistical advantages, primarily due to both fighters being promoted by Matchroom Boxing. The shared promotional banner often streamlines the typically complex negotiation process.
Hearn has indicated a “very good chance” this significant fight could happen as early as November, possibly in America. Kelly recently defended his IBF title against Caoimhin Agyarko on July 25, 2026, though he sustained a cut in that bout. His trainer Adam Booth confirmed an eight-week recovery period, making Kelly ready by late 2026 or early 2027.
Kelly himself has expressed a strong desire to unify the division, whether against Ennis or Sebastian Fundora. This mutual ambition sets the stage for a compelling championship contest. The anticipation for this bout is already building among boxing enthusiasts.
Sebastian Fundora awaits as final piece
Should Ennis successfully navigate the challenge of Josh Kelly, his path would then lead to WBC champion Sebastian Fundora. Ennis has reportedly expressed that Fundora is his “absolute first choice” for a future fight, viewing it as a significant test and a crucial step towards undisputed status. Fundora holds the WBC championship, a prestigious belt Ennis is eager to add to his collection.
However, Fundora has his own mandatory defense looming later in 2026 against Ermal Hadribeaj. The outcome of that fight will directly impact the undisputed picture. An upset could drastically alter the landscape, potentially placing Hadribeaj in an undisputed title bout against either Ennis or Kelly.
Vergil Ortiz Jr. sidelined while belts are pursued
While the boxing world has clamored for a showdown between Jaron Ennis and Vergil Ortiz Jr., that highly anticipated clash remains on the back burner. Ortiz, an undefeated fighter with an impressive record of 23 wins and 21 knockouts, represents a significant challenge. But for now, unification takes precedence.
Ennis and Hearn have both acknowledged the potential of an Ortiz fight, describing it as a “wonderful fight” for later down the line. But the current focus is squarely on collecting championship belts. The initial planned fight between Ennis and Ortiz was canceled due to issues between Ortiz and Golden Boy Promotions, further delaying the potential super fight.
“Everybody wants to see that fight,” Ennis said, referencing the Ortiz matchup. However, the absence of a major title on the line makes it less appealing than unification bouts. Ennis is building a legacy defined by championship hardware, not just rivalries. He’s choosing a strategic ascent.
What this means for super-welterweight boxing
This definitive two-fight plan from Jaron Ennis and his team offers crucial clarity for the super-welterweight division. It sets a clear trajectory towards an undisputed champion, providing a definitive answer to who reigns supreme at 154 pounds. This structured approach could usher in a new era of undisputed champions.
Fans can now look forward to a defined path of high-stakes fights within the division. This commitment to unification also reduces the potential for fragmented titles and prolonged disputes over divisional supremacy. It’s a welcome development for a division that has seen significant talent emerge. A true KO artist Ennis aims for clear dominance.
By prioritizing Kelly and Fundora, Ennis is actively seeking out the best in his weight class with titles on the line. This approach ensures that when an undisputed champion is crowned, their claim will be universally recognized. It also means other contenders in the division will have a clear target to aim for.
Ennis’s calculated legacy building
Jaron Ennis’s decision to pursue unification before a grudge match against Vergil Ortiz Jr. is a calculated risk. It prioritizes long-term legacy over immediate gratification, a move reminiscent of other boxing greats who sought to collect all the belts. This strategy positions him as a serious competitor for historical recognition.
The move to super-welterweight already proved successful for Ennis, with his dominant performances against Uisma Lima and Xander Zayas. His track record of stopping opponents, including a welterweight legend like Stanionis, speaks volumes. Ennis is not just winning; he’s dominating his opponents with authority.
This commitment to fighting fellow champions also reflects a deeper understanding of the boxing landscape in 2026. Being an undisputed champion carries immense prestige and marketability, often outweighing the benefits of a single high-profile non-title bout. Ennis is playing the long game, aiming for ultimate supremacy.
The road ahead: December or early 2027
While the precise dates are still subject to final negotiations, the framework for Ennis’s next two bouts is firmly in place. The fight against Josh Kelly is being eyed for either December 2026 or early 2027, given Kelly’s recent fight and recovery timeline. This timeframe allows for proper preparation and optimal performance from both fighters.
Following that, the victor would then look to face Sebastian Fundora, assuming Fundora successfully defends his title against Ermal Hadribeaj. This creates a clear, exciting roadmap for boxing fans. The coming months will be pivotal for the super-welterweight division, setting the stage for major championship clashes and a definitive undisputed king.
