This Saturday, boxing fans will be treated to one of the most intriguing fights of the year. Puerto Rican WBO and WBA junior middleweight champion Xander Zayas will face unbeaten American Jaron “Boots” Ennis in a clash of undefeated fighters at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The bout will headline a card promoted by Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing and broadcast on DAZN PPV.
Xander Zayas: From Ferocious Destroyer to Technical Boxer-Puncher
Despite being only 23 years old, the reigning champion has already undergone a significant tactical evolution during his professional career. In the early years of his journey, Zayas relied heavily on his punching power and seemed destined to play the role of the aggressor at all times, with a style reminiscent of his illustrious countryman Felix Trinidad. It is no coincidence that nine of his first twelve professional fights ended inside the distance.
As time passed, and particularly as the level of opposition increased, the Puerto Rican appeared less devastating. His knockout percentage declined and his fighting style gradually changed as a result. Today, Zayas makes much greater use of footwork, is comfortable fighting off the back foot, has improved his defense considerably, and frequently relies on fast combinations and sharp counterpunches.
Jaron Ennis: The Next Roy Jones or the Next Adrien Broner?
From a visual standpoint, Jaron Ennis is often breathtaking to watch. His extraordinary athleticism, his ability to generate power with either hand even when seemingly off balance, his spectacular knockouts, and his swagger have at times drawn comparisons to the legendary Roy Jones Jr. Until recently, there was a widespread belief that the American was destined to climb the pound-for-pound rankings at lightning speed.
Although Boots still has plenty of admirers, some doubts have begun to emerge lately. Critics have questioned his reluctance to face major names and pointed to the difficulties he encountered in his rematch with the rugged Ukrainian boxer Karen Chukhadzhian. At the time, we published an editorial explaining why we believed the criticism directed at Ennis was excessive (read it here), but this Saturday the American will undoubtedly face the ultimate test to prove he is not another Adrien Broner.
What Will Happen? Boxe Punch’s Prediction!
The tactical scenario we are about to witness should not hold many surprises. Zayas will almost certainly move around the ring in circles, as he did in his recent world unification bout against Abass Baraou, surrendering the center of the ring to Ennis while waiting for opportunities to outmaneuver him through timing and precision.
In some interviews during the build-up to the fight, the Puerto Rican highlighted what he considers Ennis’ mediocre footwork, suggesting a desire to force his opponent to move constantly around the ring rather than allowing him a stationary target.
Indeed, in both fights against Chukhadzhian, Boots appeared less destructive than when facing static opponents willing to engage him at close range. Zayas may therefore attempt to exploit this by dragging him out of his comfort zone and capitalizing on the situation.
It is possible that such a strategy will bring the champion some early success and delay Ennis’ entry into the fight, forcing him to chase his rival and decode his style before he can fully unleash his power and showcase his complete arsenal.
My personal feeling, however, is that Boots will not allow himself to be neutralized for very long. His chin has appeared extremely solid thus far, and it is reasonable to assume that he can absorb Zayas’ punches without becoming overly concerned. If his opponent’s varied and imaginative boxing style creates too many problems, Ennis will put on his battle helmet and turn the contest into an all-out war.
I therefore expect a strong start from the champion, followed by a significant increase in pace from the challenger, which should make the fight increasingly exciting and entertaining. Given that Zayas’ defense, while improved, is far from airtight, and considering that Ennis clearly holds the edge in explosiveness and offensive firepower, I believe the battle will ultimately end with the Boots’ triumph.
My prediction is a knockout victory for Jaron Ennis between the eighth and tenth rounds.