Todd Duboef Confirms Ennis vs Zayas Talks as Backup Option

Duboef says Ennis vs Zayas is a live option if Ortiz fight falls through

Todd Duboef confirmed Jaron “Boots” Ennis vs Xander Zayas is being discussed. The fight is in play as a backup option

The Top Rank president confirmed the fight is being discussed as a backup if Ennis’ next move doesn’t land as planned, with talks already underway behind the scenes.

“It’s a very good plan B if it’s a plan B. Are you interested? Absolutely. Are there talks? Absolutely,” said Duboef on the Ariel Helwani Show today.

That shows this is a real option. Boots is already operating at a higher level, while Zayas is still being built. Matching them now would push Zayas straight into a fight he can’t afford to lose or look poor in, and Top Rank doesn’t usually make that jump unless they believe the fighter is ready for it.

The fight sits in the background of uncertainty around Ennis’ next opponent. A bout with Vergil Ortiz Jr. has been discussed but not secured, leaving room for alternatives to come into play.

Zayas has been active and visible, headlining and drawing in New York, which gives Top Rank a platform if they decide to move him quickly. Duboef pointed directly to that market when asked about the fight.

“In a perfect world, I love New York for that fight,” he said.

That gives you more to go on. It places the fight on a bigger stage and suggests confidence in Zayas as a draw, not just a participant.

Nothing is agreed, and Duboef made clear that other options are still in motion. Still, the fact that Ennis vs. Zayas is being seriously discussed shows how Top Rank is weighing its next move. Zayas being mentioned in this spot tells you where they think he is.

Duboef didn’t drop any hints about who Zayas is supposed to fight next. Zayas has mentioned wanting IBF champion Josh Kelly in a unification. It’s a more winnable fight than Ennis, and the kind of matchup that fits where he is right now.

On the face of it, given how Top Rank has matched Zayas, it’s hard to see them putting him in with Boots. Not now, maybe not ever, unless there’s big money involved. Ennis is too good and would likely beat Zayas the same way he handled his last opponent.