Terence Crawford praises Xander Zayas but backs Jaron Ennis to prevail

Former undisputed champion says Xander Zayas has the confidence for the challenge but believes the fight has come too soon

Terence Crawford believes Jaron Ennis will defeat Xander Zayas when they meet for the unified super welterweight titles on June 27. While praising Zayas for taking such a dangerous fight, Crawford said the unbeaten champion may be facing Ennis too early in his career.

Ennis moved up from welterweight last year after capturing the IBF and WBA titles at 147 pounds, belts that had previously been held by Crawford. In his first appearance at 154 pounds, ‘Boots’ made an immediate statement by stopping Uisma Lima inside the opening round.

Now, Ennis faces the toughest test of his brief run in the division when he takes on undefeated WBA and WBO champion Xander Zayas.

Offering his thoughts on the matchup, Crawford praised Zayas for taking on such a challenge at this stage of his career but ultimately sided with Ennis to get the job done.

“Man, that is a tough fight, especially for Xander at this point in his career, but it shows his heart and his confidence that he has in himself. He is ready to go make history for his country, and he is going to do real well in that fight,” said Crawford to Jai McAllister’s channel.

“I just think that, right now, it is a little bit too early for him.”

A victory for Ennis would move him a step closer to becoming the undisputed champion at 154 pounds. Sebastian Fundora currently holds the WBC title, while Josh Kelly is expected to make the first defense of his IBF belt against Caoimhin Agyarko on July 25.

Zayas, meanwhile, will be looking to prove that Crawford’s assessment is wrong by handing Ennis the first defeat of his professional career and establishing himself as the leading force in the division.

Ennis and Zayas are scheduled to meet on June 27 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, with the unified super welterweight titles on the line.