“Long before I became a World Champion,” Zayas said. “I have always tried 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’m ready to defend my world titles against one of the sport’s biggest names. I’ve always believed in myself, and on June 27th I’ll continue to show the world what’s possible when you dare to be big!”
Ennis (35-0 31 KOs) is explosive, sharp with his counters, and dangerous in the middle with the cross and uppercuts. At welterweight, he broke down fighters with timing and punch selection, and his debut at 154 showed the same intent.
“Time to walk and collect these belts!” Ennis said. “Knock them down one by one! #AndTheNew.”
He does his best work when he gets a lead, then responds with speed. The straight right lands cleanly, the uppercut comes under, and once he gets you to react, the combos follow.
Zayas can’t give him that. He must keep the jab active, control the distance and step behind it without reaching. If he keeps his base under him and works the body early, he can slow Ennis down and take away from that snap.
Ennis will try to disrupt that structure. He will grind, force reactions and fire back with counters when Zayas commits. If he finds the timing, he can check the chin and turn the fight into a sequence.
“Facing the best has always been Xander’s priority, and ‘Boots’ Ennis offers Xander the next step to prove greatness,” said Top Rank President Todd duBoef.
“This is exactly the kind of opportunity that brings out the best in a future pound-for-pound #1. Boots shined so brightly against Stanionis in Atlantic City in his first unification fight, and I expect him to light up Brooklyn on June 27,” said Eddie Hearn.
