Jaron “Boots” Ennis just secured a huge win. His third title defense as IBF welterweight champion, and he made it look easy. On April 12th at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, Ennis put on a clinic against the WBA welterweight champion Eimantas Stanionis, handing the Lithuanian his first professional loss with a 6th-round RTD victory. Both fighters had belts on the line, but it was Ennis who left with his undefeated record intact and his hand raised in dominant fashion.

Now here’s the kicker—before the fight, even Ennis’ father and trainer, Derek “Bozy” Ennis, wasn’t sure if Boots could score the knockout. There were whispers of doubt, especially after that less-than-thrilling unanimous decision win over the Karen Chukhadzhian rematch. People wondered if Ennis was losing that KO magic. Well, those doubts were put to rest in a big way. But not everyone’s convinced. Like who, you may ask? Like Ryan Garcia.

While preparing for his upcoming clash with Rolando “Rolly” Romero at the Fatal Fury event on May 2nd in Times Square, New York, KingRy was asked during a media workout about his thoughts on Jaron Ennis being considered a pound-for-pound great. Yesterday, Fight Hub TV shared the clip on X. And let’s just say the Victorville native’s response may not be what Boots wants to hear. “I wouldn’t say so,” Ryan Garcia replied. “I mean, why would that [Eimantas Stanionis vs. Jaron Ennis] fight put you in pound for pound category?” he asked with a straight face.

For Ryan Garcia, the question is irrelevant. It would only make sense if “He beat, like somebody, yeah, [Terence] Crawford, or not even Crawford. Just, just a little bit more than that (Stanionis). I feel like, yes. He could.” And Garcia didn’t stop there. Standing right next to him was his promoter, Oscar De La Hoya. Being a guy with world titles in six different weight classes? The 52-year-old knows a lot about being at the top of boxing’s food chain. So, The Golden Boy backed up Ryan Garcia’s take, stating, “In order to be considered the best, pound-for-pound fighter, you gotta beat some pound-for-pound ranked fighters.” So, who’s really getting their names thrown into the ring here?

“You have Crawford, you have fighters like obviously, Vergil [Ortiz] and the fighter that he beat, Israil Madrimov. Yes, guys like that,” he revealed. According to the Golden Boy Promotions head honcho, “Those are the top guys that are guarding the gate.” Which means, “If Boots beats somebody like that, then consider him top ten, obviously.” He went on to say that if Boots can beat one of those names, then we can start talking top ten. Until then? Great fighter, yes. Pound-for-pound? Not really.

Still, Oscar De La Hoya gave Boots his props. “He’s a great fighter,” De La Hoya assured. Not just that. “I like his style,” he added. However, the twist is that “A Ryan Garcia vs. Boots fight? Is obviously a mega event. Because of Ryan.” According to them, the path to that recognition still runs through the above-mentioned elite fighters or even Ryan Garcia, in case Boots decides not to move up to 154 lbs.

But after watching how Boots performed in his last fight, Ryan Garcia and Oscar De La Hoya might want to recheck their answer. Why?

Jaron Ennis is confident in his skills despite what Ryan Garcia says

If you’ve followed Jaron “Boots” Ennis for a while, you know he’s always been sharp—but let’s be real, you’d have a hard time finding a time he looked this sharp or this dangerous against this tough an opponent. The last Saturday fight wasn’t just a win—it was a statement. A brutal one. And while some fans thought Stanionis would give him serious problems, Boots made it look almost too easy.

Now, some people are already saying he’s hit his peak—and honestly, that version of Ennis looked near perfect. But if you ask him? He’s just getting started. “You gotta see,” Ennis told Chris Mannix when asked how many more levels he’s got. “When somebody’s better, it’s a different story.” Which means: The tougher the opponent, the more dangerous Jaron Ennis becomes.

Right now, holding the Ring, IBF, and WBA titles at 147 pounds, Boot’s is the guy to beat. But don’t think for a second he’s satisfied. He’s aiming much higher. An undisputed champion—that’s the goal. And the path there? It’s going to be stacked with big names and high-stakes fights. But here’s the thing: the 34-0 boxer isn’t sweating it. He’s not cocky, but he’s not going to downplay his confidence either. He knows he has the skills, the mindset, and the hunger to take on whoever’s next.

“Once I get that ball rolling and clicking and I get in that groove, it’s over,” he declared confidently. And judging by what we saw on Saturday night… that groove might already be here. Do you think Jaron Ennis deserves to be in the pound-for-pound conversation after his win over Stanionis? Is Ryan Garcia being honest, or underestimating Ennis’ performance and future potential? Do share your thoughts with us below.