Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn has expressed strong confidence that a highly anticipated junior middleweight unification bout between Jaron “Boots” Ennis and Josh Kelly will materialize before the close of 2026. While November and December are currently the primary windows under consideration, Hearn has explicitly ruled out a December 12 date for the clash.
“I think it’s 80% likely Josh Kelly and Boots will happen in November or December of this year. No [it’s not being planned for Dec. 12],” Hearn said in footage shared by Everything Boxing on X.
Assigning a specific probability to the matchup indicates that negotiations have progressed well beyond preliminary discussions. Although Hearn has floated the idea of this pairing since July, Josh Kelly’s recent successful defense of his IBF title against Caoimhin Agyarko eliminated the final major competitive hurdle.
A significant factor working in favor of the bout’s completion is Matchroom’s promotional control over both fighters. This alignment shields Hearn from the typical promotional conflicts and rival television deals that frequently stall major unification bouts. While final contractual details remain to be settled, the path to an agreement is unobstructed by competing promoters.
The timeline for the fight’s execution may ultimately hinge on Josh Kelly’s recovery schedule. Kelly sustained a nose injury during his bout with Agyarko in late July, subsequently undergoing minor surgery. Targeting a November date leaves a narrow window for the injury to fully heal before Kelly must resume intense sparring and prepare to absorb the significant power of Ennis.
Beyond the belt, the IBF champion has strong financial and professional incentives to accept this premier offer. Kelly’s recent victories over Murtazaliev and Agyarko were highly competitive, and staying within the IBF rotation would force him to face tough contenders like Brandon Adams, Israil Madrimov, Nikita Tszyu, or a potential rematch with Murtazaliev—none of which promise the same level of purse or global recognition.
In terms of style matchup, Kelly’s elite counterpunching and ring movement would pose a serious challenge to the defensive vulnerabilities Ennis exhibited during his thrilling victory over Xander Zayas. While Ennis demonstrated remarkable resilience by recovering from early damage to break down Zayas, Kelly thrives on controlling the pace, slowing the action, and forcing aggressive opponents to make the first move.
Despite the tactical challenges, Ennis remains the overwhelming favorite heading into negotiations, thanks to his rapid combinations, devastating finishing power, and potent inside game. For Kelly to pull off the upset, he must maintain flawless distance control for twelve rounds, avoiding the defensive lapses that made his last two bouts incredibly close contests.
Securing Kelly’s IBF crown would give Ennis possession of the WBA, WBO, and IBF titles, leaving only WBC champion Sebastian Fundora as the sole obstacle to undisputed junior middleweight glory. While Hearn’s optimistic 80% estimate is highly encouraging, the lack of an official date and venue means the matchup is still pending final confirmation.