A boxer’s nickname isn’t just a cool tag—it serves multiple purposes. It can help them stand out, strike fear into opponents, or even tell a story about who they are. Over the years, boxing has seen its fair share of creative and iconic nicknames. But few are as unique as ‘Boots.’ But can you tell me who that belongs to? Yep, Jaron Ennis.
But have you ever wondered what the nickname actually means? How did the IBF welterweight champion get it—and who gave it to him? If those questions have ever crossed your mind, you’re in the right place. As the 27-year-old gears up to defend his title against Lithuania’s Eimantas Stanionis on April 12th, here’s a quick deep dive into the story behind one of boxing’s most distinctive nicknames.
Why is Jaron Ennis called ‘Boots’?
If you assumed Jaron Ennis’ nickname ‘Boots’ came from his punches hitting like a kick to the face, you wouldn’t be alone—and honestly, it’s a fair guess. But you’d be wrong. The real story behind the nickname is actually far more wholesome, involving both his mother and father. According to Ennis himself—something he’s shared in multiple interviews—’Boots’ wasn’t even the original nickname his family had in mind.
Originally, Jaron Ennis was supposed to go by a much cuter nickname—’Boops.’ Yes, you read that right. In a previous interview, Ennis shared, “Well, originally my nickname was supposed to be ‘Boops’. My mom gave me that nickname. It’s B-o-o-p-s.” So, how did Boops turn into the much tougher-sounding Boots?
LOS ANGELES, CA – MAY 13: Jaron Ennis weighs in at the Westin LAX for his IBF welterweight fight against Custio Clayton being held at Dignity Health Sports Park, on May 13, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
Ennis has explained that, too. As it turns out, when his father called him by the nickname in the gym, people often misheard it. They thought he was saying ‘Boots’ instead of ‘Boops.’ The mix-up stuck—and honestly, it worked out. “When I was in the gym, everyone thought my dad was saying ‘Boots’, like your shoes,” Ennis said. “And we just kept it.”
It might’ve started as a cute family nickname, but it evolved into something that fits a fighter perfectly—sharp, memorable, and just a little intimidating.
A look at Jaron Ennis’ boxing record and stats
Born in the boxing capital of the world, Jaron Ennis was destined for boxing. He currently boasts an undefeated record of 33-0, with 29 of those wins coming by way of knockouts, which puts him at an impressive 88% knockout ratio. Ennis claimed the IBF welterweight title in November 2023 against David Avanesyan and has since defended it successfully, establishing himself as one of boxing’s rising stars.
Most of his fights end as quickly as they began, averaging around 3.6 rounds, showcasing his speed, precision, and versatility. Standing at 5’10” with a 74-inch reach, Ennis fights primarily in an orthodox stance but is known for fluidly switching to southpaw, making him unpredictable in the ring. With a competent amateur boxing record to back him up, Ennis continues to dominate the division.
That said, Jaron Ennis is a great example of how chance can sometimes outshine careful planning. He may not have chosen his nickname, but the one he ended up with fits him perfectly. What do you think about his nickname?
The post What Is the Meaning Behind Jaron Ennis’ Nickname ‘Boots’? appeared first on EssentiallySports.