It’s been quite a while since summer in New York was marked by a major fight, but that is changing this year. WBA and WBO junior middleweight champion Xander Zayas will defend his titles against Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis on June 27 live from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY, on DAZN PPV.
Zayas (23-0, 13 KOs) is fresh off winning the WBA title in January as he earned a split decision victory over Abass Baraou in Puerto Rico. Although there were whispers of Zayas going after IBF champion Josh Kelly, his sights quickly turned to Ennis. With the Vergil Ortiz Jr. lawsuit against Golden Boy Promotions awaiting presentation to an arbitrator, Ennis was available, and that’s the fight Zayas and his team ended up taking. Zayas is staying true to his word that he wanted to face only the best moving forward, and this fight proves that.
Ennis (35-0, 31 KOs) has been waiting on the sidelines since October for the Ortiz fight. When it became clear he wouldn’t get that matchup anytime soon, Matchroom managed to secure him a fight that’s arguably even bigger. Boxing fans had grown restless with Ennis—after 35 fights, he still hadn’t landed the big one. Well, this Zayas fight is that big one, and now Ennis has to prove to everyone that it’s been worth the wait.
Here is the press release issued by Matchroom Boxing on Monday.
“Long before I became a World champion,” said Zayas. “I always sought to face the biggest challenges in my division I have never shied away from a fight and have always been willing to test my skills against anyone.
“Now, as the unified champion, I am ready to defend my world titles against one of the sport’s biggest names. I have always believed in myself, and on June 27, I will continue to show the world what is possible when you dare to be great!”
“Time to step and collect these belts!” said Ennis. “Knocking them down one by one! #AndTheNew.”
“Zayas vs. Boots is everything fans want in a summer blockbuster — two elite level champions, fighting for multiple world titles, staged in an iconic backdrop, New York,” said Alfie Sharman, VP of DAZN. “This matchup is a statement moment for global boxing, and we’re thrilled to deliver it live and exclusive on DAZN. June 27 will be a night where the best fight the best, and fans around the world won’t want to miss it.”
“What a fight!” said Ennis’ promoter and Matchroom Chairman, Eddie Hearn. “I’m thrilled to be able to get this fight made for Jaron – this is exactly the kind of occasion that brings the very best out of a future pound-for-pound #1. Boots shone so brightly against Stanionis in Atlantic City in his first unification fight, and I expect him to light up Brooklyn on June 27.
“But Xander is a special fighter in his own right, and huge props go to him for wanting to fight the very best – Brooklyn has a special fight on it’s hands this summer, and I am counting down the days already.”
“We signed Xander at 16 and have seen him develop into the sport’s youngest current unified champion and a budding superstar,” said Zayas’ promoter and President of Top Rank, Todd duBoef. “Facing the best has always been Xander’s priority, and ‘Boots’ Ennis provides Xander with the next step to prove greatness in only his second title defense.
“The matchup pits boxing’s elite young talent who want to emerge as a pound-for-pound king and entertain the sports world. We’re proud to work alongside Matchroom and DAZN to bring this meaningful fight to a global audience from Barclays Center on June 27.”
“Barclays Center is a premier destination for the biggest nights in boxing and continues to serve as a global stage for the sport’s most exciting talent, a tradition we’re proud to continue with this incredible matchup,” said Laurie Jacoby, Chief Entertainment Officer, Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment. “From championship bouts and global sporting events, Barclays Center has built a reputation for delivering unforgettable nights that resonate far beyond Brooklyn, reflecting our ongoing commitment to bringing world-class competition and must-see moments to our fans.”
Information on the launch press conference, ticket on sale dates and the undercard will be released in due course.
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