The reported arrangement gives Eddie Hearn’s promotional company more than just one event featuring one of boxing’s brightest young stars.
Although Zayas suffered the first defeat of his professional career when Ennis stopped him in seven rounds, the 22-year-old remains one of the sport’s top prospects and is expected to continue as a major attraction. Having his next appearance promoted by Matchroom would give Hearn another opportunity to showcase the Puerto Rican contender.
The reported agreement also helps explain how the Ennis-Zayas fight came together. Rather than limiting the deal to a one-fight co-promotion, Top Rank reportedly agreed to let Matchroom handle Zayas’ next appearance as well.
What that fight will be remains unclear.
Hearn recently revealed that Zayas has a contractual rematch clause against Ennis, although he also suggested the former unified champion could instead move up to middleweight rather than pursue an immediate second fight.
If Zayas decides against exercising the rematch clause, his first fight after the loss to Ennis would reportedly still take place under the Matchroom banner before returning to Top Rank.
If the report proves accurate, Matchroom walked away from the Ennis-Zayas negotiations with more than a successful fight night, securing another opportunity to promote one of boxing’s most promising young talents.
