Xander Zayas, the rising star in professional boxing, has solidified his undefeated record and now stands at the precipice of a potentially career-defining mega-bout. Following his recent triumph that secured a prestigious WBO Junior Middleweight Title, all eyes are on the promising prospect as discussions intensify regarding a colossal clash with unified welterweight champion, Jaron Ennis, a matchup that promises to ignite the boxing world.
The 22-year-old Zayas recently demonstrated his prowess and maturity in the ring, securing the vacant WBO Junior Middleweight Title with a commanding unanimous decision victory over Jorge Garcia. This pivotal win not only extended his impressive professional record to 22-0, with 13 knockouts, but also showcased his ability to perform under significant pressure on a major platform, affirming his status as a formidable force in the division.
Meanwhile, Jaron “Boots” Ennis, renowned for his destructive power and technical brilliance, has recently made a strategic move up to the 154-pound division after successfully unifying the welterweight ranks. His transition sets the stage for new challenges and opens up a realm of exciting possibilities, including a highly anticipated confrontation with the newly crowned WBO champion, Xander Zayas.
Despite the immense public and professional interest in a Zayas-Ennis showdown, the path to making such a significant fight a reality is fraught with complex negotiations. Reports indicate that an offer extended to Josh Kelly for a WBO title eliminator against Ennis was met with dissatisfaction from Kelly’s team, highlighting the intricate dance of purse demands and contractual agreements that often precede high-stakes boxing matches.
Adam Booth, Josh Kelly’s trainer, publicly expressed his strong disapproval of the initial financial proposal, labeling it as “derisory” and significantly below what Kelly has earned for lesser bouts. Booth accused Eddie Hearn of attempting to use media pressure to coerce Kelly into accepting an unfavorable deal, emphasizing that serious negotiations, not public posturing, are essential to finalize such a crucial contest.
Legendary boxing promoter Bob Arum has thrown his considerable weight behind the potential Zayas vs. Jaron Ennis fight, enthusiastically describing it as a “terrific” and “major” event. Arum’s endorsement underscores the profound impact such a matchup would have on the sport, recognizing both fighters as exceptional talents capable of delivering a memorable and highly competitive spectacle.
Should the highly anticipated Ennis bout prove elusive for Xander Zayas, a compelling alternative already looms in the form of Erickson Lubin, another formidable contender in the junior middleweight division. Lubin has consistently demonstrated his ambition and skill, making him a logical and challenging opponent for the WBO champion as he navigates his options in the competitive landscape.
Lubin’s career has seen a remarkable resurgence since his lone professional defeat in 2017, when he suffered a first-round knockout in a world title challenge. Since that setback, Lubin has diligently rebuilt his career, securing nine victories in his subsequent ten fights, including a significant win against Ardreal Holmes Jr. that propelled him to the number one ranking in the IBF junior middleweight division, positioning him as a strong contender for future title opportunities, potentially even as a mandatory challenger for Zayas’s WBO belt.
