Top welterweight prospect Jaron Ennis missed out on a step-up fight last month, but he’s apparently already got eyes on another one. Steve Kim reports that a clash between “Boots” and former super lightweight champion Sergey Lipinets “is being discussed for April.”
Ennis (26-0, 24 KO) was supposed to face Thomas Dulorme on Showtime’s December 12th Raymart Gaballo-Emmanuel Rodriguez card, only for Chris Van Heerden to step in when the Puerto Rican veteran contracted COVID. The pair got to fight for just under three minutes before a clash of heads split Van Heerden’s forehead open and forced a halt.
Fortunately, he’ll almost certainly get the test he was after against Lipinets (16-1-1, 12 KO), who’s seemingly found his footing at 147 pounds after a shaky start. Knockouts of Lamont Peterson and Jayar Inson set up an IBF eliminator against Kudratillo Abdukakhorov, which fell through due to the Uzbek’s visa issues. He instead faced unheralded Custio Clayton, with whom he warred over 12 rounds en route to a majority draw.
Though not truly “elite,” Lipinets is tough as nails and willing to throw down with just about anyone. That’s a perfect test for Ennis, who’s thus far bulldozed everyone with little issue.