When Uisma Lima was originally announced as the opponent for Jaron Ennis’ junior middleweight debut on Saturday at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia to headline a Matchroom Boxing card on DAZN, the general reaction was, "Who?"

The little-known Lima (14-1, 10 KOs) is a 32-year-old from Angola who lives in Portugal and trains at Shamrock Boxing gym in Luton, a borough in Bedfordshire, England. At first glance, Lima looks more like French soccer superstar Kylian Mbappe than someone who appears to have little chance against "Boots" Ennis, who's expected to quickly kick him to the curb.

Lima, a plus-1200 betting underdog, has a low profile because he’s fought around the world without a promoter, but has done well. His last three fights have come against a trio of unbeaten opponents across South Africa, Canada and Germany. But Lima has never fought in the United States, or against an opponent of the caliber of Ennis (34-0 30 KOs), the former unified and Ring champion.

“Some athletes are so good, but don't have the opportunities,” Lima said on the Matchroom Boxing YouTube channel. “Boots is from America. He's had everything since Day One. I'm from Portugal, and since Day One, I've had nothing. I've done everything alone. Now is my time to show my skills, and everything. This fight is coming in the best era for me because I am in my prime. I am confident, and people will see this ... I had a great camp, and my dreams are alive. [Ennis will see] one more version of ‘The Monster.’”

Lima has a four-fight winning streak since his lone loss gainst Aaron McKenna by unanimous decision in 2023. He's ranked in the top 10 by three of the sanctioning bodies, but sits outside of The Ring's top 10 ratings in the 154-pound division.

“People say I am getting better and better and better,” said Lima. “With Boots, people will see. I know Boots will come with everything, and me too. I'm ready. It will be a great fight.”

The WBA interim title will be on the line, which sets up the winner nicely to face the recently named full WBA champion Abass Baraou. Ennis has been unbothered by critics who question his decision in facing Lima, considering the deep pool of opponents he could’ve picked from in boxing’s most decorated division.

Lima coach Mervyn Turner said Ennis and the boxing public are in for a surprise this weekend/

“He's the expert at upsetting people on the road. We never fight at home. He doesn't know what it's like,” said Turner.

“This is a very dangerous man. But even they don't realize how dangerous until we get in the ring. We're very, very confident.”