Jaron “Boots” Ennis Climbs to WBA No. 1 at 154lbs After Rankings Shuffle

Jaron “Boots” Ennis continues to climb the junior middleweight ladder, and the latest WBA rankings just gave him a huge boost.

After Abass Baraou defeated Yoenis Tellez last month to capture the WBA interim title at 154 pounds, the No. 1 spot that Baraou previously held was left vacant. In the sanctioning body’s September 1 update, Ennis was officially moved into that top slot, marking another step in his transition from welterweight to junior middleweight.

The WBA isn’t the only body recognizing Ennis’ potential at 154. The WBC briefly had him listed as their No. 1 contender before reinstating Serhii Bohachuk following an appeal, dropping Ennis to No. 2. The WBO also has him ranked at No. 2, while the IBF has yet to slot him in at the weight.

Meanwhile, the shuffle pushed other names higher in the WBA rankings: Pavel Sosulin moved up from No. 3 to No. 2, and Jesus Ramos Jr. jumped from No. 4 to No. 3. Tellez, who lost to Baraou, dropped into the No. 4 spot.

Ennis, undefeated at 34-0 with 30 knockouts, is already locked in for his first test at junior middleweight. He’ll headline in his hometown of Philadelphia on October 11 against Uisma Lima (14-1, 10 KOs), who currently sits at No. 9 across three sanctioning bodies. The fight will not only serve as Ennis’ debut in the division, but also as a chance to immediately cement himself as the top contender.

The WBA’s official champion at 154 remains Terence Crawford, but with “Bud” moving up to face Saul “Canelo” Alvarez in a September 13 super fight at 168, it’s widely expected that Crawford will vacate the junior middleweight strap. That could see Baraou elevated from interim champ to full champion, leaving Ennis perfectly positioned for a marquee title opportunity in 2026.

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Jaron Ennis has been one of boxing’s most talked-about young stars for years, but this move up to 154 feels like the start of his true prime. The timing is perfect — Terence Crawford is likely leaving the division, which opens the door for fresh blood to carry the torch. If Ennis makes a statement against Lima, the WBA may have no choice but to line him up against Baraou for the vacant crown. Fans have been waiting for “Boots” to be tested against the very best, and the junior middleweight division could be where he finally gets that stage.