Jaron Ennis Warns Xander Zayas: ‘It is Ranges’

Most fighters shifting up in weight take the protected route. Jaron Ennis seems to have skipped that step fully.

After stopping Eimantas Stanionis in six rounds to unify titles at 147 kilos, Ennis moved to tremendous welterweight and spent precisely one spherical there earlier than focusing on one of many greatest fights out there.

On Saturday night time at Barclays Heart in Brooklyn, Ennis makes an attempt to take the WBA and WBO titles from Xander Zayas in solely his second combat at 154 kilos.

For a fighter getting into a brand new division, it’s an unusually formidable transfer.

Zayas just isn’t a fading champion on the lookout for one final payday. The Puerto Rican is 23 years previous, unbeaten, and coming off a title unification victory over Abass Baraou.

That has executed little to mood Ennis’ confidence.

No Curiosity in Taking the Simple Route

Ennis was anticipated to spend time settling into the division after leaving welterweight behind. As a substitute, the Philadelphia star has gone immediately after a unified champion.

Forward of the combat, Ennis has made it clear he doesn’t see Zayas as an equal.

“No matter he thinks he does effectively, I do higher,” stated Boots.

“You can not jab higher than me. You aren’t quicker than me. You aren’t slicker than me. You aren’t stronger than me. Your protection just isn’t higher than mine. Your footwork just isn’t higher than mine. It’s ranges.”

Ennis has received all 35 skilled contests, stopping 31 opponents, and has spent years being talked about alongside the perfect fighters within the sport.

The criticism geared toward him was by no means about potential. It was whether or not the largest fights would materialize.

On Saturday, he will get the possibility to reply that query.

‘And The New’

Victory would make him a unified champion in a second weight class and instantly place him among the many main names at 154 kilos.

“I’m simply excited to be preventing a man that acquired two belts, one of many prime guys within the division and I’m able to shut all people up,” stated Ennis.

“These belts are coming again residence to Philly.”

“I’m the person in any division I combat in. I really feel like I’m taking up boxing, beginning this Saturday, and you’ll hear the phrases ‘and the brand new’.”

In regards to the Creator

Phil Jay is the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing Information (WBN) and a veteran boxing reporter with 15+ years of expertise. He has interviewed world champions, damaged worldwide exclusives, and reported ringside since 2010. Learn full bio.