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Add FightsATW on GoogleIt might not sizzle like Terence Crawford vs Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, but the bout taking place Saturday at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, should symbolize the next year of world-class boxing.
Let’s explore the storylines that are at play.
It Feels Too Soon, But It Isn’t
Neither guy is a pay-per-view star, at least in my perception. Yet here we are.
It is a bout to crown one of the next pound-for-pound fighters, but it is hidden behind a paywall. It is a sign of the times and, to a certain degree, of how irrelevant boxing is slowly becoming to a younger generation. Xander Zayas (23-0, 13 KOs) turned pro in 2019. That was seven years ago. Despite being 23, he has become a two-belt junior middleweight titleholder. Jaron Ennis (35-0, 31 KOs) has solid wins, including a dominant, one-sided stoppage of Eimantas Stanionis, but it feels like he should be further along.
The bout features two fighters we have watched for some time, both declared the future of the sport, fighting at a crossroads. One fighter’s stock will go up, and the other will regress to the mean.
The bout has high stakes and should lead to bigger bouts in the future.
Xander Zayas And Fernando Vargas
The closest comparison to what Zayas is doing is Fernando Vargas. The problem is that it went disastrously when Felix “Tito” Trinidad stopped him. Zayas appears to have forced this bout and is risking his belt for glory. Is it foolish or the start of a new era of Puerto Rican boxing?
That remains to be seen, but Zayas’ recent run is solid. He defeated Jorge Garcia Perez, then unified with Abass Baraou. The issue was that both had pulled off pivotal upsets. Perez defeated 2016 U.S. Olympian Charles Conwell, and Baraou defeated Yoenis Tellez to win his WBA title. If Zayas had beaten Conwell and Tellez, he would be perceived as better, but he is a prisoner of circumstance.
Zayas turned pro young and is now daring to be great in uncharted waters for fighters in his situation.
‘Boots’ Has A Lot To Lose
Ennis is taking on a lot of risk. He has to stop Zayas quickly to get any credit, I believe. The longer the fight goes, the more you will hear detractors question Ennis. He is coming in as a title challenger and the favorite. To many, this is supposed to be Ennis’ coming-out party as the next pay-per-view guy. If he struggles to cut off the ring, he will face criticism. He will also face criticism if it goes to a decision. Whether right or wrong, Ennis is in a position where he has to perform to a certain level; winning isn’t good enough.
Ennis has been a modest star with an exciting style that hardcore fans have embraced. This will be his first moment, entering with a lot of eyes on him, both in terms of selling tickets, carrying his pre-fight build-up, and performing in the ring.
The Elephant In The Room
Junior middleweight Vergil Ortiz Jr has never won a world title, yet somehow feels he is at the same level as Ennis. He was expected to fight Ortiz next, but legal issues involving Ortiz’s contract have prevented his return, opening the door for this fight with Zayas.
The winner of this bout should face either Sebastian Fundora or Ortiz next. So, as annoying as it is, the 24-hour tabloid circus will start the minute the final bell rings, because the expectation for more good fights will be the standard.
What Does The Eye Test Say?
Unsure. Ennis should have the experience edge. He seems faster and more dynamic, but Zayas has impressed in his recent wins and is capable of winning rounds, a skill that is often overlooked in favor of flashy, big punches.
What makes the fight so interesting is that on Monday of fight week, any outcome could happen. Zayas could win a decision. Ennis could stop Zayas or win a decision; a draw is in play, but it feels like, after a few rounds, we will know exactly how the fight will play out.
Ennis has looked good at times and flawed at others. Zayas has looked good, but doesn’t ‘wow’ you with spectacular traits like dynamic athleticism; he is a blue-collar fighter. The eye test tells me I am overlooking something going in, but I am not sure what.
What Do The Odds Say?
Ennis is a sizable favorite heading into the bout, as power and dynamic ability, combined with being the older fighter and being perceived as having a higher ceiling, are more than likely giving him the edge.
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