“He’s real sharp and smart,” Ennis said. “He plays around when he desires to, and he goes for the kill when he desires to. That’s me. I’m the identical form of way. Our styles are fan-friendly.”
While Ennis and Whittaker may share an appreciation for entertaining crowds, their upcoming assignments present very different challenges.
Whittaker, 11-0-1 (8 KOs), is ready to face Richard Rivera in his American debut on the undercard at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The 29-year-old Olympic silver medalist has yet to face a world-class opponent during his skilled profession. His recent victories over Benjamin Gavazi and Braian Suarez got here against opponents who lacked the speed and technical ability to consistently trouble him.
Even Liam Cameron, whose first fight with Whittaker resulted in a controversial draw, wasn’t the form of slick boxer capable of creating Whittaker chase him across the ring. The rematch allowed Whittaker to reply some questions, however it stopped wanting proving how his style would delay against elite light heavyweights.
Jaron, meanwhile, faces a unique sort of examination against Xander Zayas.
Unlike the slower, pressure-oriented opponents Ennis has often looked spectacular against, Zayas brings movement, discipline, and a technically sound boxing style. The unbeaten titleholder operates behind a pointy jab, uses angles effectively, and infrequently gives opponents prolonged opportunities to showcase their offensive creativity.
That might make it significantly harder for Boots to “have a good time” within the ring.
Critics have long questioned the extent of opposition Ennis has faced throughout his profession, arguing that the praise surrounding him has outpaced the standard of his résumé. A dominant victory over Zayas would supply one among the strongest answers to those concerns.
Whittaker has largely been matched with opponents willing to have interaction on his terms. Zayas isn’t built that way. The 23-year-old prefers to box behind his jab, create angles, and make opponents reset. For Ennis, that might mean fewer probabilities to entertain and more emphasis on solving the puzzle in front of him.
If not, the conversation surrounding Ennis may remain unchanged.
Whittaker has largely been allowed to dictate the terms of his fights. On June 27, Ennis will likely be tasked with doing something harder: imposing his style on an opponent whose game plan is built around taking that freedom away.