Xander Zayas vs Jaron Ennis: Breakout Moment in Brooklyn
By Chris Carlson
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 27 Jun 2026
This Saturday night, a quality matchup between Xander Zayas and Jaron Ennis takes place at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. If it's a competitive bout, the future can be bright for both combatants. This fight features a mix of styles, speed, power, and unknown items that make for a solid scrap. This event will be live streaming on DAZN PPV or part of the DAZN Ultimate subscription package.
Let's begin with Jaron 'Boots' Ennis, who like Zayas, is facing what appears to be his toughest opponent on paper. Ennis has a blend of hand speed, combination punching with power, and sharp timing when he's fully locked in. At times his footwork and defense have shown some holes. That said, he has tightened up both of those issues when stepping up like he did against Elimantas Stanionis. Jaron has the ability to counter with both hands, box on the outside, and bang on the inside.
Xander Zayas uses lateral movement well and has improved over the last chunk of fights. Similar to Ennis, Zayas can box on the move, fight at range, and up close. It's likely Xander will use his jab while circling to score points while getting a feel for Boots in the early rounds. Look for Zayas to start slow and wait for a few rounds to find the holes in Ennis's offensive attack. Who will lead on Saturday night is an interesting question. This boxing podcaster believes will see Boots take the lead at some point.
That said, Ennis could force Zayas to pressure him and use the same skills he did in a dominant outing versus the previously mentioned Stanionis. Whichever fighter is the most disciplined when it comes to footwork and defense will be the one to get their hand raised on Saturday. Ennis has the advantage of hand speed and power punching. Even with some flaws, mind you every single boxer has them; the bottom line is Boots is more talented.
Boots is the favorite sitting around –500 to –670 whereas Zayas is a live dog +350 to +450. Ennis is +190 by decision and –110 by knockout. Zayas is +490 by decision and +1100 by knockout. The odds have tightened recently as far as the outcome for this main event to go the distance. Although Ennis is more than capable of scoring a stoppage, Zayas can move relatively well and could clinch when times get rough. Zayas weight issues rumors could be just fight week chatter. If they're real and Xander is having weight problems, it would favor Ennis by stoppage.
My Official Prediction is Jaron Ennis by decision. Best Bet is Ennis +190 by decision
PODCAST LINK: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-rope-a-dope-radio-podcast/id1794655742?i=1000773974357
Side Note: On the Brooklyn PPV card keep an eye out for Jahi Tucker vs. Euri Cedeno. Also, this Sunday Zuffa Boxing returns with De Los Santos vs Valenzuela 2, Lee vs Sandoval and More.
Written by Chris Carlson Host/Producer of The Rope A Dope Radio Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker, I-Heart Radio, Amazon Podcasts, Google Podcasts & More! Follow on Twitter @RopeADopeRadio
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Chris Carlson.
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