‘He’s in a lot of pain’

Ennis didn’t spend much time selling the game.

“He’s in a lot of pain,” Ennis said. “He’s flat-footed and he’s been dropped several times. When he gets hit by me, it’s going to be different.”

The comments came after Boots had already made it clear his priority was to collect the remaining world titles at 154lbs. He said becoming the undisputed champion remains his primary goal, although he remains willing to challenge Ortiz if title fights cannot be made.

“I’m here to be uncontested and break up these belts,” Ennis said. “But if we can’t get these other guys and Vergil’s available, let’s make it happen.”

Ortiz, who holds the WBC interim title, has been knocked down in previous fights but has always recovered to remain undefeated. A meeting between the two has been discussed for months and appeared close earlier this year before Boots accepted the opportunity to challenge Zayas for two world titles.

Promoter Eddie Hearn reiterated that attitude after the fight, saying Ennis’ win over Zayas changed the immediate plans. Rather than revisiting the Ortiz fight, Hearn said the focus is now on collecting the IBF and WBC titles before considering other options, making Ortiz wait unless those championship fights can be secured.