By Jack Walsh

JARON ‘Boots’ Ennis’ performance last Saturday evening is one drawing criticism from a variety of angles, as we all know that the IBF welterweight champion is capable of victory in a far more appealing, convincing fashion.

For one, Boots’ defense was completely insufficient, and mentally, he just seemed off — likely frustration due to the expectations of a quick KO, and lack of guidance by his father/cornerman, Derek ‘Bozy’ Ennis.

Notably, Boots did not deliver a knockout in the very first matchup with Karen Chukhadzhian either, why push for one now?

The advice of “get him out of there” from Bozy felt consistently misleading. Chukhadzhian decisively lost, but Boots’ performance was not entirely dominant. Chukhadzhian won a few rounds and fought back with notable punches.

Fighting at an angle, Chukhadzhian clipped Boots time and time again with sharp shots and would consistently pivot out to begin throwing at a new angle, with high volume.

Boots is a capable defensive fighter, although there were clearly holes, and Chukhadzhian showed the world where Boots is ultimately vulnerable.

And while Philadelphia’s hometown hero retained his strap, and undoubtedly a win is a win, it feels critical for the 27-year-old world champion to fix how he handles pressure from high-level busy punchers, a top-of-an-adjustment regarding corner directions before moving up to 154lbs.

An alternative game plan that would behove Boots when fighting sluggers who favour boxing in the pocket is quite literally just active footwork: short steps after sticking to move out of range while utilising his long reach. With a reach of 74 inches, consistently fighting toe-to-toe feels completely unnecessary.

Ideally, get one last decisive victory, showcasing much-needed fixes for media and fans alike. Shooting for a knockout against any opponent is not realistic—just box smart, with intent behind each quick decision, and aim for a win.

For Boots, as well as any fighter, moral defeat is similar to a legitimate one mentally, and it’s certainly not the right foot to start on when heading into a division full of agile heavy hitters.