The World Boxing Association (WBA) announced Jaron Ennis' first fight or debut in the super welterweight (69.8 kg) class against Uisma Lima on October 25 at the Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, United States.
"Former WBA welterweight world champion Ennis has moved up to super welterweight and will make his debut in a high-stakes eliminator," the WBA reported on its official website, as monitored in Jakarta on Thursday.
In his most recent fight, Ennis secured a convincing victory by knocking out Eimantan Stanionis in six rounds to claim the WBA welterweight world title.
Following his victory, the American boxer then relinquished his title and decided to move up a division to aim for his next title shot at super welterweight.
The 28-year-old Ennis will make his debut in a 12-round bout with a perfect record of 34 wins, with 30 of those wins coming before the end of the round.
The opponent who will be facing him is Uisma Lima from Angola, a tough boxer who is on a four-fight winning streak.
Known for his toughness and willingness to take on unbeaten opponents, Lima has beaten three undefeated fighters in a row and is looking to extend that streak, though Ennis is his toughest opponent yet.
Record-wise, the 32-year-old is still far behind Ennis with 12 wins (10 KOs) and one loss, but he will be looking to surprise the Philadelphia crowd on fight night.
Previously, Ennis' promoter, Eddie Hearn, said that his fighter, who is also a former International Boxing Federation (IBF) welterweight champion, had found a "hungry fighter" who would test "Boots'" abilities.
The term "hungry fighter" refers to Ennis's targeting of easy opponents. This choice of opponents has drawn both controversy and opposition, with some fans arguing that Ennis, who was rumored to be fighting Vergil Ortiz Jr., is choosing easy opponents and wasting his career.
