“They’re basing that on what Ennis is supposed to be,” Atlas said on his YouTube channel. “Because he hasn’t really been tested yet.”
Atlas noted that Ennis has looked impressive throughout his career but questioned whether his record justifies being nearly a 5-1 favorite over another unbeaten fighter.
“You can’t say that because, look who he beat, he beat this guy, he beat that guy. No, you can’t say that because they’re not there,” Atlas said.
Ennis (35-0, 31 KOs) was elevated to IBF welterweight champion in 2023 and later unified the division before moving up to 154 pounds. He made his junior middleweight debut with a first-round knockout of Uisma Lima. Zayas (23-0, 13 KOs), unified titles with a victory over WBA champion Abass Baraou last January and will be making the first defense of his belts against Ennis.
Rather than dismissing Zayas’ chances, Atlas described the unbeaten Puerto Rican as a legitimate threat.
“I think Zayas is a live dog,” Atlas said. “You’re going to give me that much with an undefeated kid with a good amateur pedigree? I got to think about it.”
Atlas believes Ennis holds advantages in experience, accuracy, and punching power, but said Zayas’ size, movement, and jab could create problems if he is able to control range and keep the fight on the outside.
For Atlas, the fight will answer a question that has followed Ennis throughout his rise in the sport.
“Is he our guy?” Atlas said. “This is going to verify that.”
Atlas’ skepticism centers on one issue: Ennis’ lack of defining wins. Against an undefeated champion in Zayas, he will finally get the opportunity to add the type of name to his resume that critics say has been missing.
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