Confidence has never been an issue for Jaron Ennis. This time, however, his words carry extra weight. He enters his June 27 clash with WBO and WBA unified Junior Middleweight Champion Xander Zayas with a point to prove. He believes he stands above the entire junior middleweight division.
During an exclusive interview with Bryan Fonseca, Ennis put the division on notice.
Jaron Ennis is coming for all of them.
First, Ennis addressed how the Zayas fight came together. Plans initially pointed toward a showdown with Vergil Ortiz Jr.. That fight fell apart, forcing a quick pivot.
“After my negotiations with Vergil fell through, I got on the phone with my team and said, ‘Yo, go get Xander,’” Ennis said. “That was the next best option. Who else would we go to?”
Then, he doubled down on his belief in his June 27 opponent. Ennis dismissed comparisons to other contenders.
“I think he’s better than those guys,” Ennis said, referencing WBC champion Sebastian Fundora and IBF champion Josh Kelly.
Next, Ennis shifted focus to legacy. He sees the upcoming bout as more than just another fight. He views it as a defining moment.
“I think it’s perfect timing for the fight,” Ennis said. “For me to become two time unified champion. That’s stamping my legacy right there.”
He also welcomed Zayas’ willingness to step in. Ennis expects to prove his dominance when they meet.
“I love it. I’m glad he took it,” Ennis said. “I’m going to see him on June 27 and he going to see why I’m like that.”
After that, Ennis made a bold prediction about the outcome. He left no doubt about where he believes the belts will end up.
“Them belts are going to be going to Philadelphia.”
At the same time, questions remain about a potential rematch clause. Ennis hinted that one may exist, but he showed little concern.
“If it is, he’s not going to want one.”
Earlier negotiations with Ortiz created major buzz. Both fighters even faced off in the ring last November. Ortiz had just stopped Erickson Lubin. Ennis, meanwhile, destroyed Uisma Lima in one round.
Momentum built quickly for an April 18 bout on DAZN. Matchroom had already agreed to terms. However, the fight collapsed after Ortiz became tied up in a lawsuit with Golden Boy Promotions.
As a result, Ennis turned his attention elsewhere. That shift now puts Zayas in the spotlight.
Meanwhile, the division continues to move around him. Fundora’s promoter, Sampson Lewkowicz, wants to stage a unification fight. The proposed matchup would pit Fundora against Kelly.
Notably, that fight is targeted for the same June 27 date. It could act as a parallel showdown to Ennis versus Zayas.
Jaron Ennis believes everything is finally lining up in his favor. He sees Zayas as the next step, not the final destination.
Ennis remains focused on the bigger picture. He still wants the toughest names available. Ortiz remains firmly on his radar.
“After I win on June 27, I’m here for undisputed,” Ennis said. “If Vergil is freed up,
