‘We’re Ready’: Jaron Ennis Doesn’t Care About What Xander Zayas Brings

As Jaron Ennis (35-0, 31 KOs) gears up to challenge Xander Zayas (23-0, 13 KOs) for his unified WBA and WBO super welterweight titles at Barclays Center on Saturday, it is only natural for ‘Boots’ Ennis to be worried about the prospect of facing a younger light-footed opponent. But, being his (usual) confident self, Ennis only has one thing to say, ‘BRING IT ON!!!!’

At their recent presser, Ennis seemed excited about the prospect of becoming a two-division unified world champion.

“I can’t wait to show my skills and my ability on Saturday night, show the world I’m the best fighter in the world and become a two-division unified world champion. It’s that time. This is my show,” he said. “It’s work time now. We’re going to have some fun, put on a beautiful show and make easy work on Saturday night.”

Rather than treating it as just another title fight, Ennis has repeatedly described it as the beginning of his “legacy tour,” viewing victory as an opportunity to silence critics who claim he lacks elite names on his résumé and to establish himself as one of boxing’s pound-for-pound best.

On the other hand, he has also praised Zayas as a talented and deserving champion, acknowledging that this will likely be one of the toughest tests of his career, while also insisting that he sees flaws he intends to exploit. Moreover, Ennis has said he isn’t concerned with predictions or outside criticism.

Meanwhile, his father and trainer, Bozy Ennis, has echoed that sentiment, saying Zayas’ quality will bring out another level in his son. But that certainly doesn’t mean that this has left the younger Ennis worried.

“Honestly, I don’t care how he fights,” he said. “Whatever he does, we’re ready. We prepared for every style in camp. Whatever he wants to do, we can do it too…He’s a solid fighter. He’s a world champion for a reason. But it’s levels. That’s all it is. Levels. I’m going to show everybody on Saturday night.”

“Easy Night”

Zayas also shared Ennis’ excitement about their upcoming fight. Speaking at the same presser, he warned his opponent not to expect an easy night.

“This is what I’ve dreamed about since I was five years old. My first pay-per-view. Barclays Center. New York City. I’m excited I’m going to take over the world like I’ve been doing,” he said. “He thinks it’s going to be an easy night. Let him think that. Saturday night I will come out there and do what I do at the highest level. I am going to make the adjustment and come out victorious.”

Joshua Ben Joseph

Joshua Ben Joseph is a Boxing writer renowned for his unparalleled coverage of live events and insightful interviews with prominent athletes in the world of combat sports. With a career spanning over several years, he has authored more than 800 articles. As an experienced editorial cartoonist and investigative journalist, Joshua has a keen eye for detail and a passion for delivering quality content. Aside from his writing, Joshua is an avid powerlifter and solo traveler, embodying the same spirit of determination and exploration that he brings to his work. With a deep love for the sport of boxing that dates back to childhood, he is committed to delivering the highest quality content and helping to build a more transparent and credible industry.

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