Boots on the ground: Ennis inspires Philly and Atlantic City youth ahead of latest world title tilt

In the lead-up to his long-awaited clash with Eimantas Stanionis, IBF Welterweight World Champion Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis took time out from his fight preparations to deliver something far more lasting than just a title defence – hope.

Through two powerful community visits – one to John F. Hartranft School in North Philadelphia and another to the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City, Ennis proved that champions aren’t just made in the ring, but in the impact they leave outside it.

In partnership with Hands Across Philadelphia, Ennis returned to his roots for a morning that left a mark.

Addressing a packed room of students in the Ms Amelia Boynton-Robinson Peace Center at John F. Hartranft School, just blocks away from the gyms where he first laced up gloves, Boots shared his journey – not just the highlights, but the grit behind the glory.

The Center honours the legacy of Ms Amelia Boynton-Robinson, a courageous civil rights activist who marched across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, paving the way for voting rights and justice – the perfect setting for the children to hear Boots’ story of perseverance and determination.

“I’m proof that your environment doesn’t define your future,” said Ennis.

“What matters is how hard you’re willing to work, how much you believe in yourself – even when no one else does.”

The students hung on every word. Some sat with notepads, others with wide eyes and wider dreams. For many, this wasn’t just a celebrity visit, it was a moment of clarity. A glimpse into what’s possible when passion meets purpose.

The day ended with excitement and anticipation, as the students were invited to a future visit to the historic Muhammad Ali Training Camp in Deer Lake – a trip now charged with new meaning thanks to Ennis’ message.

Hands Across Philadelphia is a community-rooted organisation committed to empowering young people through meaningful educational experiences that connect history, sport and social impact.

One of its standout initiatives is a series of school excursions to Fighter’s Heaven – the historic Muhammad Ali Training Camp in Deer Lake, PA. These immersive trips offer inner-city youth the rare opportunity to walk in the footsteps of one of the greatest boxers and humanitarians of all time, gaining insight into Ali’s training discipline, values and lifelong fight for justice.

By using boxing’s rich cultural heritage as a tool for personal development, Hands Across Philadelphia helps inspire the next generation to pursue excellence – not just in the ring, but in life.

Later in the day, Ennis made his way to the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City, where over 100 youngsters had gathered to hear from their hero.

Here, he delivered a raw, heartfelt Q&A with local youth, many of whom are navigating challenges not unlike those he faced growing up in Philly. From tales of sparring in “Bozy’s Dungeon” to the discipline required to stay focused in a city full of distractions, Boots didn’t just speak, he connected.

“I want these kids to see that greatness isn’t some faraway thing,” said Ennis.

“It can start right here. Right now. With belief.”

The day also featured something a little more futuristic – an immersive virtual reality boxing experience hosted by Golden Gloves VR, giving the young attendees the chance to step into a simulated Ennis vs. Stanionis arena. For many, it was their first taste of the sport. For others, a deeper dive into the dream.

The event was made possible with the support of Visit Atlantic City, whose partnership brought together sport, technology and inspiration in one unforgettable evening.

Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City is dedicated to empowering young people through life-enhancing programmess, character development and supportive relationships with caring adults. By partnering with local and national organisations, aligning academic programmes with career pathways and supporting families as a whole, the Club plays a vital role in strengthening the Atlantic City community across its 48 blocks.

Since 1970, the Club has been a cornerstone of youth development in the region, serving over 2,500 young people aged 6 to 18 each year. Its success is made possible through the continued support of generous donors, community partners and advocates who share in the mission of building brighter, self-sustaining futures for local youth and their families.

Reflecting on the day’s events, Alex Le Guével, Head of Community Development at Matchroom Boxing, summed up the mission perfectly.

“Boots represents everything we believe in with our work in the community – authenticity, resilience and the power of showing up,” explained Le Guével.

“These visits weren’t about headlines. They were about connection. The kind that stays with a young person for life.”

“Working alongside organisations like Hands Across Philadelphia and the Boys & Girls Club of Atlantic City allowed us to plug into real community networks, where boxing isn’t just a sport – it’s a lifeline.”

From North Philadelphia’s school hallways to Atlantic City’s vibrant community hubs, Boots was firmly on the ground – and the impact was real.

In every handshake, every word and every shadowboxed punch, he reminded these young people that greatness isn’t about where you start, it’s about where you believe you can go – because when boxing meets belief, the results go far beyond the ring.