After Zayas’ world title win: Bob Arum open to duel with former welterweight star Jaron Ennis – fans hope for superfight.
At just 22 years of age, Xander Zayas was crowned WBO world semi-middleweight champion last weekend in Madison Square Garden. In an intense fight against Jorge Garcia, the Puerto Rican super-talent initially showed nerves, but then found his rhythm and won on points over twelve rounds. The division is full of big names – from Sebastian Fundora to Bakhram Murtazaliev – but promoter Bob Arum is already thinking one step ahead. His opponent of choice: Jaron “Boots” Ennis. After his victory over Eimantas Stanionis in April, the former IBF and WBA welterweight champion announced his move to half-middleweight.
“I think Zayas vs. Ennis would be a fantastic fight,” Legends promoter Bob Arum told The Ring. “Both are young, hungry and incredibly talented. It would be a real blockbuster.” Ennis promoter Eddie Hearn, boss of Matchroom Boxing, had also recently outlined plans for his protégé, including a possible clash with Josh Kelly. Should a Zayas fight be realized, it would be one of the biggest fights in the new weight limit – and a touchstone for both careers.
Text by Robin Josten