Xander Zayas is daring to be greater as he defends his world titles against Jaron “Boots” Ennis in an eye-catching super welterweight clash this summer.
The June 27 fight brings together one of boxing’s youngest unified champions and a fighter many see as the toughest challenge at 154 pounds.
Zayas (23-0, 13 KOs) unified the titles in January in Puerto Rico after edging Abass Baraou by split decision, becoming the youngest unified champion in the sport and the first Puerto Rican to unify at the weight.
The 23-year-old now heads back to New York for his ninth appearance in the city, returning less than a year after winning his first world title at The Theater at Madison Square Garden when he dominated Jorge Garcia to capture the vacant WBO belt.
Zayas Pushing Forward
Many champions slow their pace once they reach the summit. Zayas appears determined to do the opposite.
After winning the WBO title and unifying soon after, the Puerto Rican star is again stepping straight into a dangerous fight against a man widely viewed as one of the most formidable opponents at 154 pounds.
“Long before I became a World champion,” said Zayas. “I always sought to face the biggest challenges in my division. I have never shied away from a fight and have always been willing to test my skills against anyone.
“Now, as the unified champion, I am ready to defend my world titles against one of the sport’s biggest names. I have always believed in myself, and on June 27, I will continue to show the world what is possible when you dare to be great!”
Ennis Eyes Immediate Impact
For Ennis (35-0, 31 KOs), the Brooklyn showdown is an opportunity to establish himself immediately in a new division.
The Philadelphia star unified the welterweight titles in April with a dominant victory over Eimantas Stanionis, adding the WBA belt to his IBF crown.
After moving seven pounds from 147, Ennis wasted little time signaling his intentions by stopping Uisma Lima inside a round to claim the interim WBA title.
Victory over Zayas would see Ennis become a unified champion in a second weight class.
It also follows the collapse of a previously discussed fight with Vergil Ortiz, leaving Ennis eager to secure the kind of win that strengthens his hand in future negotiations at the weight.
“Time to step and collect these belts!” said Ennis. “Knocking them down one by one. And the new!”
Brooklyn Showdown
The fight will take place at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, a venue that has hosted several major boxing events over the past decade.
“What a fight!” said Matchroom Chairman Eddie Hearn. “I’m thrilled to be able to get this fight made for Jaron — this is exactly the kind of occasion that brings the very best out of a future pound-for-pound number one.
“Boots shone so brightly against Stanionis in Atlantic City in his first unification fight, and I expect him to light up Brooklyn on June 27.
“But Xander is a special fighter in his own right, and huge props go to him for wanting to fight the very best.”
Top Rank President Todd duBoef added: “We signed Xander at 16 and have seen him develop into the sport’s youngest current unified champion and a budding superstar.
“Facing the best has always been Xander’s priority, and ‘Boots’ Ennis provides the next step to prove greatness in only his second title defense.”
The collapse of the Ortiz fight briefly clouded Ennis’ immediate plans, but securing a unified champion at 154 pounds keeps the division moving and places two of its most dangerous young fighters on the same stage this summer.
About the Author
Phil Jay is the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN) and a veteran boxing reporter with 15+ years of experience. He has interviewed world champions, broken international exclusives, and reported ringside since 2010. Read full bio.
