sports
Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis and Xander Zayas put promise to test in Brooklyn clash
Two of boxing’s ascendant stars have been tabbed for greatness since they were teenagers. On Saturday night at Barclays Center, one will claim the signature win both have been chasing
TL;DR
- Jaron Ennis (35-0, 31 KO) and Xander Zayas (23-0, 13 KO) are undefeated boxers facing each other on Saturday night.
- Both fighters have been considered potential stars since their teenage years and come from prominent boxing traditions.
- Ennis, the WBA interim champion at 154lb, has struggled to secure signature fights despite his talent, moving up in weight.
- Zayas, the youngest active world champion, unified WBA and WBO titles at 154lb last summer.
- The fight is considered the first genuinely defining fight of both men's careers.
- The crowd at Barclays Center is expected to heavily favor Zayas, a Puerto Rican fighter, despite the fight taking place near Ennis's hometown.
- Stylistically, the fight pits Ennis's athleticism and versatility against Zayas's pressure and fundamentals.