Matchroom promoter says Ennis combines elite boxing IQ with knockout power as he prepares to challenge Xander Zayas for two world titles
Eddie Hearn believes Jaron “Boots” Ennis separates himself from Shakur Stevenson and Devin Haney because he combines elite technical ability with a relentless finishing instinct. As Ennis prepares to challenge Xander Zayas for the WBA and WBO junior middleweight titles, Hearn says no other elite fighter blends ring IQ and knockout mentality in the same way.
“All of these guys with unbelievable IQ. You’ve got guys like Haney, you’ve got guys like Shakur. These are tremendous fighters with great IQ. They don’t fight like Boots,” Hearn said to Million Dollaz Worth of Game. “Pound-for-pound guys are either great IQ guys with great footwork, or they’re exciting knockout artists that don’t have the fundamentals. He has it all.”
Hearn says Ennis’ willingness to chase knockouts is what sets him apart from many of boxing’s elite.
“From the first bell, he lights up the place because he’s trying to win the fight by knockout straight away,” said Hearn. “He’s not looking to outpoint you over 12 rounds or box and move. He’s coming to rip your head off. The casual audience don’t want to watch a boxer move, a smart IQ. They want to see knockouts, and that’s what he delivers.”
The Philadelphia native skipped any rebuilding period after changing weight classes, moving directly into a high-risk title fight against the unbeaten Zayas.
Victory over the unbeaten Zayas would establish Ennis as a unified champion in a second weight class. Hearn has made no secret of his desire to match the Philadelphia native against the other leading names at 154 pounds, with Sebastian Fundora among those firmly on his radar.
