Terence Crawford has backed Jaron Ennis to defeat Xander Zayas when the pair clash for the unified super welterweight titles later this month.
Ennis moved up from welterweight last 12 months after capturing the IBF and WBA titles at 147 kilos, belts that had previously been held by Crawford. In his first appearance at 154 kilos, ‘Boots’ made a right away statement by stopping Uisma Lima contained in the opening round.
Now, Ennis faces the hardest test of his temporary run within the division when he takes on undefeated WBA and WBO champion Xander Zayas.
Offering his thoughts on the matchup, Crawford praised Zayas for taking up such a challenge at this stage of his profession but ultimately sided with Ennis to get the job done.
“Man, that could be a tough fight, especially for Xander at this point in his profession, but it surely shows his heart and his confidence that he has in himself. He’s able to go make history for his country, and he’s going to do real well in that fight,” said Crawford to Jai McAllister’s channel.
“I just think that, at once, it’s a bit of bit too early for him.”
A victory for Ennis would move him a step closer to becoming the undisputed champion at 154 kilos. Sebastian Fundora currently holds the WBC title, while Josh Kelly is anticipated to make the primary defense of his IBF belt against Caoimhin Agyarko on July 25.
Zayas, meanwhile, will likely be seeking to prove that Crawford’s assessment is flawed by handing Ennis the primary defeat of his skilled profession and establishing himself because the leading force within the division.
Ennis and Zayas are scheduled to fulfill on June 27 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, Recent York, with the unified super welterweight titles on the road.
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Last Updated on 2026/06/16 at 11:58 PM