Eddie Hearn Uses Demetrius Andrade’s Misfortune as Cautionary Tale for Jaron Ennis’ Boxing Career

After a long legal battle with his former promoter, Now Boxing, Jaron Ennis has signed with Matchroom Boxing! Since his fight against Roiman Villa in July last year, the IBF interim welterweight champion hasn’t fought anyone. So, with his deal with Eddie Hearn-led Matchroom, ‘Boots’ Ennis is looking to land all the big fights. 

During last night’s post-fight press conference for the Zelfa Barrett vs. Jordan Gill fight, Hearn spoke to DAZN Boxing about his plans for Ennis. He especially emphasized the lesson he learned from promoting Demitrius Andrade as he plans Ennis’ path to undisputed status at 147 pounds. 

Eddie Hearn plans to lure fighters into unification fights with Jaron Ennis

Speaking to Tony Bellew and Ade Oladipo, Hearn said, “We had a situation with Demetrius Andrade a few years ago where no one wanted to fight him. So, you’re getting [Ennis] out, and the activity is good, but you’ve got to find a way to maneuver the big fights.” Hearn suggests that they couldn’t do the same for Andrade because there was no reward for fighting him. 

However, Hearn reveals, “Jaron’s a little bit different. He’s a welterweight. I think he will [go to 154] in time, but right now, let’s try and be undisputed at 147.” Later in the interview, Hearn highlighted that Terence Crawford and Errol Spence Jr. are moving to 154 pounds, so that leaves Ennis with the likes of Mario Barrios and Eimantas Stanionis. 

So, he would try to “lure them into unification fights. Let ‘Boots’ become undisputed at 147. Then chase down the Spences and the Crawfords at 54, and by that point, he’ll be a big enough name that those fights are worth mega money.” said Hearn. Meanwhile, Hearn sheds light on Ennis’ reaction to signing the deal with Matchroom.

Hearn reveals, “I’ve been trying to sign ‘Boots’ [for]…”

On April 11, Hearn spoke to Charlie Parsons from the Stomping Ground, revealing Ennis’ reaction to the buzz among people after signing with Matchroom. “Boots’ messaged me last night and said, ‘Wow, we’ve really broken the internet.’ I can’t actually remember an announcement that had the same kind of noise that the ‘Boots’ signing had. This is one of the greatest signings of all time.”

He then added, “I’ve been trying to sign ‘Boots’ [for] four or five years, because I watched him years ago and thought, ‘This kid is unbelievable.” Speaking about the eventual clash between Ennis and Crawford, Hearn thinks Ennis is the best welterweight in the world and would move to 154 after becoming undisputed at 147. When he does, Ennis will easily defeat Crawford at 154 pounds. 

If Eddie Hearn manages to deliver on his promises to Jaron Ennis, things can only go up from here for the undefeated boxer. As for the Terence Crawford fight, only time will tell what’s in store for the pair-up. Do you think ‘Boots’ Ennis can become undisputed at 147?