Eddie Hearn ranks Jaron Ennis alongside boxing legends

Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn has stated that active world champion Jaron 'Boots' Ennis is on the same level as boxing legends Thomas Hearns and Sugar Ray Leonard. Ennis, who holds the WBA and WBO titles, is being compared to several all-time greats including Terence Crawford and Pernell Whitaker.

Eddie Hearn suggested that Ennis is the pound-for-pound number one in the sport. He noted that the fighter's recent performance against Xander Zayas was unbelievable. While some critics point to the number of punches Ennis absorbs, the promoter argued that the fighter chooses his style intentionally. He added that Ennis could box for 12 rounds to be less active, but his current approach makes him one of the most exciting fighters available.

Thomas Hearns and Sugar Ray Leonard are widely considered two of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters in history. Hearns became the first five-division world champion in 1988 after a decision victory over James Kinchen. Leonard achieved his status as a second five-division champion just three days later by knocking out Don Lalonde to take the WBC super-middleweight and light-heavyweight titles.

Ennis is currently a two-division champion. Following his win over Zayas, he is looking toward the undisputed super-welterweight championship. A fight against IBF titleholder Josh Kelly is expected to occur in either December or during early 2027.