“He’s real sharp and smart,” Ennis said. “He plays around when he wants to, and he goes for the kill when he wants to. That’s me. I’m the same type 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 set 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 professional career. His recent victories over Benjamin Gavazi and Braian Suarez came against opponents who lacked the speed and technical ability to consistently trouble him.
Even Liam Cameron, whose first fight with Whittaker ended in a controversial draw, wasn’t the type of slick boxer capable of making Whittaker chase him around the ring. The rematch allowed Whittaker to answer some questions, but it stopped short of proving how his style would hold up against elite light heavyweights.
Jaron, meanwhile, faces a different kind 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 sharp jab, uses angles effectively, and rarely gives opponents prolonged opportunities to showcase their offensive creativity.
That could make it significantly harder for Boots to “have fun” in the ring.
Critics have long questioned the level of opposition Ennis has faced throughout his career, arguing that the praise surrounding him has outpaced the quality of his résumé. A dominant victory over Zayas would provide one of the strongest answers to those concerns.
Whittaker has largely been matched with opponents willing to engage 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 could mean fewer chances 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 be tasked with doing something more difficult: imposing his style on an opponent whose game plan is built around taking that freedom away.
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