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Xander Zayas vs. Jaron 'Boots' Ennis Official for June 27 in Brooklyn
Angela Piazza/Caller-Times / USA TODAY NETWORK

Xander Zayas vs. Jaron 'Boots' Ennis Official for June 27 in Brooklyn

Originally posted on Dice City Sports  |  By Robert LaMar  |  Last updated Apr 3, 2026 4:28 PM ET

A long-anticipated showdown at 154 pounds is finally set. Unified champion Xander Zayas will defend his WBA and WBO junior middleweight titles against Jaron Ennis on June 27 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, live on DAZN, Matchroom Boxing announced Monday.

After weeks of speculation, both fighters confirmed the bout over the weekend with social media posts teasing the agreement before making it official. This matchup brings together two of boxing’s most dynamic and undefeated stars in one of the sport’s hottest divisions.

Zayas: The Young Champion Rising

At just 23 years old, Zayas (23-0, 13 KOs) has rapidly emerged as one of boxing’s brightest young champions.

The San Juan native:

  • Captured the vacant WBO title with a dominant win over Jorge Garcia Perez
  • Added the WBA belt with a split decision victory over Abass Baraou
  • Became boxing’s youngest unified world champion

Now, Zayas faces his toughest test yet in his first title defense against an elite, proven opponent. Ennis (35-0, 31 KOs), a former unified welterweight champion, enters the bout as one of the most dangerous punchers in boxing.

The Philadelphia native:

  • Previously held Ring, IBF, and WBA titles at 147 pounds
  • Made a statement in his 154-pound debut with a first-round knockout of Uisma Lima
  • Carries a reputation as one of the sport’s most avoided fighters

For Ennis, this fight represents a chance to immediately become a two-division unified champion.

Originally, Ennis was expected to face Vergil Ortiz Jr. in April, but that fight collapsed due to a legal dispute involving Golden Boy Promotions. With that bout stalled, the door opened for a blockbuster clash and Zayas vs. Ennis quickly became the fight to make.

Division on Fire

The junior middleweight division continues to heat up, with Zayas and Ennis now positioned at the center of it.

  • Zayas: No. 3 ranked by The Ring
  • Ennis: No. 5 ranked contender

With names like Ortiz, Sebastian Fundora, and others looming, the winner of this fight could emerge as the face of the division.

This isn’t just another title fight it’s a statement bout.

  • Zayas looks to solidify his reign and superstar potential
  • Ennis aims to take over a second weight class immediately

On June 27 in Brooklyn, one undefeated record will fall and a new king at 154 pounds may rise.

This article first appeared on Dice City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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