NEW YORK – Both insistent, confident, and predicting Saturday night will be their breakout performance, Xander Zayas and Jaron “Boots” Ennis head to their Saturday showdown seeking to fulfill sky-high expectations.
“What you’re about to see… this is the moment. The moment he’s dreamed of his whole life,” Ennis promoter Eddie Hearn said at the final news conference for the DAZN pay-per-view bout at Barclays Center.
“This guy [Ennis] has lived in the gym his whole life. This is just the beginning. No disrespect to Xander… this is going to be one of the most clinical, brutal displays you’ve ever seen… everyone will say this son of a bitch is an animal. This is the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the sport of boxing.”
Zayas’ promoter, Top Rank President Todd DuBoef, responded that while his 23-year-old unified 154lbs champion might be perceived as greener than his Philadelphia foe, he is poised to stand as the next Puerto Rico great.
“Part of being in the business is listening to your fighters, their teams. He just wants the biggest challenge. Xander has delivered every step of the way,” DuBoef said. “I know Eddie thinks we’re going to see this masterpiece [from Ennis], but I’ve never seen a will like this.
“Puerto Rico wants another Trinidad, another Cotto, and Xander knows it’s him.”
Former unified welterweight champion Ennis, 35-0 (31 KOs), and WBO/WBA 154lbs titlist Zayas, 23-0 (13 KOs), exuded an unwavering belief they are positioned to stand on the fight as a testament to their talent.
“I’m feeling great, tremendous, ready for a beautiful show,” Ennis said.” can’t wait to show my skills to the world and become a two-time unified champion. I’m in and out like a robbery.
“He’s a solid fighter, [but] there’s just levels. I cannot wait. Don’t get up to get no popcorn, please don’t blink.”
Ennis’ trainer and father, Bozy Ennis, said that if Zayas comes right at Ennis, the Puerto Rican will be knocked out.
“The fight’s over… you all will see who’s going to be the next junior-middleweight champion of the world,” Bozy Ennis said.
Yet, Zayas’ trainer Javiel Centeno argued it was his fighter who pushed for the showdown.
“He sees that light at the end of the tunnel. This is the fight that will take him over the top. This fight makes him a major star worldwide,” Centeno said.
Zayas could not contain his enthusiasm for the evening, the opportunity he has sought since becoming the youngest-ever signee of 60-year-old Top Rank at age 16.
“This is what I’ve dreamed of. I’m going to take over the world,” Zayas said. “I do everything above everybody. That’s what great fighters do. Be smart, have fun. I will come out victorious.”
