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Add FightsATW on GoogleOne of the biggest fights on the calendar held its initial press conference on Wednesday at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY. Unified junior middleweight champion Xander Zayas (23-0, 13 KOs) will defend his titles against Jaron “Boots” Ennis (35-0, 31 KOs) on June 27 live from the Barclays Center and on DAZN PPV.
Neither fighter has a loud personality, so even when they exchanged verbal jabs, things never really got out of control until the faceoff. Ennis touched the belts on Zayas’ shoulders, prompting a brief scuffle on stage that required security to intervene between the two fighters. Ennis is promising a knockout, while Zayas says he’s going to rip Ennis’ heart out. At the end of the day, all the talk is good, but what fans really want to see is that both fighters deliver a great fight on June 27.
Here are some quotes from Wednesday’s press conference.
Xander Zayas
On why this fight against Boots Ennis had to happen for him…
“It’s always been about legacy. Becoming the youngest world champion at 22 when I did it. Youngest unified world champion. And now fighting one of the best in the world in the division. It’s about legacy. Anybody could have taken the easy route and just get an easy win and that’s it. I want to fight the best. I want to show that I’m the best every time I step into the ring. And that’s what I’m going to do on June 27.”
On Ennis being a weight bully…
“Because he has, I mean, everybody at 147 was always smaller than them. He was a big cop. 54 is different. You got these guys coming from 190 from 181, 85, 200. It’s different.”
What are his advantages in this fight against Ennis…
“Everything. I mean, [Ennis] has never faced an athletic fighter like me.”
On how the fight ends…
“I never go out there looking for the knockout. But I promise I’m going to rip his heart out. I guarantee you that. He’s going to be uncomfortable. I’m going to show you come June 27.”
Jaron “Boots” Ennis
On his mindset coming into this fight…
“I think Xander bit off way more than he can chew. Come fight night, he’ll see. I’m going to show everyone that I’m the best in the world.”
On what he thinks made Xander take this fight…
“You can watch my fights but when you get in the ring it’s a whole different story. I’m faster than you think. I’m stronger and I have a better IQ, too. He’s going to be in for a long night.”
On the split of the money…
“If he’s so confident, why didn’t he take the 55-45 split for the winner? I think that shows a lot. There’s levels to this and I’m going to show him that. It’s about legacy for me. I want to show the world why I’m the best and I believe in myself.”
On if the fight will end in a knockout…
“For sure.”
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