‘Boots’ and WBA and WBO junior middleweight champion Zayas are negotiating for a fight. Promoter Eddie Hearn has confirmed that talks have begun for Ennis’ next fight. Fan reaction has been positive for this competition, with many of them considering ‘Boots’ as the likely winner. However, boxing analyst Bradley doesn’t see it that way, believing that Zayas is a bad style matchup for Ennis.
Bradley described Zayas as a counter puncher with movement, poise and a high ring IQ. He said Zayas targets mistakes from aggressive fighters and builds his attack around those moments. He also noted that Zayas was carrying a left hook, a punch that had landed on Ennis in previous fights.
Ennis’ style was the focus of criticism. Bradley said Ennis gets impatient and goes for knockouts, which creates openings. He added that Ennis prefers to lead and bring the action, rather than waiting for clean sheets.
Bradley said Zayas is able to take advantage of those habits. He described him as a fighter who “charges mistakes” and makes opponents pay when they overindulge. He added that Zayas has the size, speed and skills to compete in those exchanges.
He also pointed out that Ennis carries a right hand that could trouble Zayas, who has been hit by that punch before. Bradley said the risk runs both ways and rejected the idea of a one-sided outcome.
“It’s not going to be a damn slam dunk,” Bradley said on his channel. “It’s a hell of a game.”
Ennis did not correct the habits Bradley points to. If the same openings come up again, Zayas is built to use them.
