The Xander Zayas vs Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis super welterweight boxing world title unification is confirmed for June 27 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, with Zayas’s WBA and WBO belts on the line, atop a Top Rank and Matchroom card on DAZN. Such a fight likely made possible thanks to the recent long-term television agreement between DAZN and Top Rank, announced last week.
Zayas, 23, from San Juan, Puerto Rico, is currently the youngest unified champion in boxing. He has quickly climbed the super welterweight ladder, first winning the vacant WBO title via unanimous decision against Jorge García Pérez and then adding the WBA belt with a split decision victory over Abass Baraou, earlier this year.
Following the announcement, Zayas expressed confidence:
“Long before I became a world champion, I always sought to face the biggest challenges in my division,” he said in a statement sent to Boxing Social. “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!”
Ennis, 28, from Philadelphia, brings the experience of being a former unified welterweight champion with an impressive record of 35 wins, 31 by knockout. Ennis has already tested the 154-pound division, stopping Uisma Lima in the first round, and stated his mission clearly. “Time to step and collect these belts! Knocking them down one by one!”
Ennis was originally scheduled to fight Vergil Ortiz, The Ring’s No. 1-ranked super welterweight, but a contractual dispute with Golden Boy Promotions has delayed that bout. Now, facing Zayas presents the ultimate test of his transition to the division.
Currently, Zayas is ranked third and Ennis fifth by The Ring and the matchup promises a clash of styles — youth and speed versus experience and power. With the backing of DAZN and Top Rank, Brooklyn is set for a historic night where every punch matters and every second could define the next dominant champion in the super welterweight division.
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