Abreu misses weight by over 3 pounds
In another case of a boxer not tending to business, Juan Carlos Abreu (23-5-1, 21 KOs) failed to make weight ahead of his September 19 fight against rising welterweight prospect Jaron “Boots” Ennis (25-0, 23 KOs).
The contracted weight for this fight was the welterweight division limit of 147-pounds. However, during the September 18 morning weigh-in, Abreu weighed in at 150.25, more than 3 pounds over. After being given a two-hour period to make weight, he failed to do so. Eventually, both camps came together and agreed on a new contract with a new weight limit for 151-pounds, allowing the fight to continue.
Ennis – Abreu is set to take place at the Mohegan Sun Casino bubble in Uncasville, Connecticut Live on SHOWTIME. It will be the opening bout of the televised card. On one hand, you can somewhat sympathize with a fighter making weight, especially given the unique conditions that come with training and fighting in the closed confined bubble as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, to come in so much overweight is cause for considerable side-eye. That speaks to discipline, or lack thereof. The bottom line, Abreu is guilty of a complete lack of discipline and shame on him for that.
NO CAUSE FOR PAUSE
How much difference will it make in the fight? To most pundits, not much really because Ennis is the considerable favorite. The 22-year-old from Philly is one of the best prospects in the sport, bar none. It is anticipated that he is too young, much more talented, and will take care of business.
And truth be told, Showtime has a keen interest in him and this is a showcase opportunity for “Boots”. That more than anything is why this fight is going on, in spite of Abreu’s issues with the scale. When it comes to spotlighting someone with serious star potential, the show must and will go on.
By: Michael Wilson Jr.
