Ennis says Zayas offers more variety after Ortiz talks collapsed
Jaron Ennis says Xander Zayas is a more complete fighter than Vergil Ortiz Jr. The comments follow failed negotiations for an Ortiz fight.
Ennis discussed both fighters while also pushing back against criticism and narratives that he avoided certain opponents earlier in his career.
When asked who looked like the better fighter between Vergil Ortiz Jr., Xander Zayas, and Sebastian Fundora, Boots leaned toward Zayas.
“I would say Xander a little better than those guys because I feel like he do a little more,” said Ennis to Ring Champs. “With Ortiz, you know what you getting. He coming straight forward.”
Ennis added that Zayas offers more variety than some of the other top names at junior middleweight.
“With Fundora, he tall,” said Ennis. “With Xander, I feel like he could box a little bit and he try to rumble too.”
The comments come after Ennis secured a fight against Xander Zayas following months of failed negotiations for a clash against Vergil Ortiz Jr.
Boots said several false narratives were created about him during that period, especially claims that he avoided certain opponents.
“I think people be using my name because they think I’m not going to say nothing,” said Ennis. “People be painting these false narratives.”
Ennis also explained why he rejected criticism tied to the Ortiz situation.
“Why would I turn down a unification to fight for interim at a weight class that I’m not even at?” said Ennis. “That don’t make any sense.”
According to Ennis, talks for the Ortiz fight dragged on through multiple proposed dates before he decided to move in another direction.
“It was three different dates,” said Ennis. “One in March, one in April and one in May. After the third one, I’m like, ‘Come on, it ain’t going to happen.’”
That was when Ennis told his team to pursue Zayas instead.
“I told them, ‘Go get me Xander,’” said Ennis. “That’s the next best.”
