Ennis is definitely capable of a first-round blowout against almost anyone because of his punch selection and how quickly he finds the range. However, Zayas is a massive step up in ring IQ compared to the guys Ennis usually blows away early.
Boots was asked whether Zayas represents the best opponent he has faced, a question he declined to answer directly due to the unknown of not yet sharing the ring.
Ennis did acknowledge Zayas brings more variety than many at 154 pounds, separating him from a division he described as largely forward-moving in style.
“I think he got a better skill set than most of those guys at 54,” Ennis said.
By admitting Zayas has a better skill set than the rest of the 154-pounders, Ennis is basically confirming why a first-round KO is such a tall order. Most guys at junior middleweight try to impose their will physically, but Zayas actually uses his brain.
If Zayas truly is the most skilled guy Ennis has faced at this weight, he’ll have the composure to weather that terrifying first minute. If he stays glued to his game plan and uses the holding tactics, he turns this from a highlight-reel blowout into a grueling tactical battle.
The matchup materialized after talks for a fight with Vergil Ortiz Jr. fell apart, with Ennis pushing his team to pursue Zayas as the next available option. The bout will mark a step into a new division for Ennis, who had previously targeted an undisputed run at 147 before those plans stalled.
The objective remains unchanged for ‘Boots’ Ennis regardless of opponent or weight. “I’m here for undisputed, and I’m here to collect the belts,” he said.
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