When it comes to the world of boxing, few debates are as electrifying as comparing the talents of two undefeated contenders. Delante Johnson, a promising welterweight fighter with an unblemished record, has had the unique opportunity to spar with both Jaron Ennis and Vergil Ortiz Jr., sharing his insights on their distinctive skill sets. Johnson confidently asserts that one of these fighters possesses an edge, claiming that one has "more tools in his bag."
For quite some time, Ortiz and Ennis have been on a potential collision course, especially during their early careers at 147 pounds. However, despite the excitement surrounding a possible matchup, it seems that fans may still have to wait a bit longer for this much-anticipated showdown to actually take place.
Nonetheless, there is optimism that later this year, the boxing community will witness these two titans finally face off in what promises to be a thrilling contest. Currently, Ortiz has solidified his status as a leading contender in the super-welterweight division, notably due to impressive victories against fighters like Israil Madrimov and Serhii Bohachuk. Most recently, he delivered a spectacular performance, stopping Erickson Lubin in just two rounds back in November, which firmly established him as one of the fiercest punchers in his weight class.
On the other hand, Jaron Ennis has made a significant mark in the welterweight division, emerging as a unified world champion following his remarkable sixth-round stoppage of Eimantas Stanionis in April 2025. Shortly after that victory, Ennis decided to ascend to a higher weight class, where he decisively defeated Uisma Lima in just one round last October, showcasing his power and skill.
The prospect of a fight between Ortiz and Ennis has sparked considerable excitement, with Matchroom's Eddie Hearn, who promotes Ennis, hinting at the likelihood of this bout occurring this year. However, recent remarks from Ortiz’s promoter, Oscar De La Hoya, and his manager, Rick Mirigian, suggest that the path to this fight might not be so straightforward, leaving fans anxious about its realization.
In this context, Delante Johnson's perspective is particularly valuable. Speaking to YSM Sports Media, he reflected on his experiences sparring with both athletes and offered an insightful comparison. "I feel like Vergil has good timing, and he’s strong. He shows effective head movement when he’s being aggressive and pressuring his opponents. But I believe ‘Boots’ has a broader skill set. He can seamlessly switch between orthodox and southpaw stances, and he possesses speed, power, and exceptional timing. His footwork is impressive, and he displays a level of craftiness and intelligence in the ring."
It remains to be seen whether Johnson's opinion reflects any shifts in perception based on Ortiz's recent performances. However, it appears that he holds a stronger appreciation for Ennis's flashy and versatile skills. With such contrasting styles and strengths, fans are left wondering: Who do you believe has the upper hand? Is it Ortiz with his aggressive style or Ennis with his multifaceted approach? Share your thoughts in the comments!