Vergil Ortiz Jr has delivered an emphatic prediction for Xander Zayas vs Jaron Ennis, which he will watch with a keen eye this evening.
The two super-welterweights will collide at the Barclays Center, New York, with Zayas making a defence of his unified WBO and WBA crown.
A split decision victory over Abass Baraou saw him seize the WBA belt in January, just over six months after claiming the WBO strap against Jorge Perez.
Now, though, the 23-year-old is approaching his toughest assignment thus far, taking on former unified welterweight champion Ennis in a fight where many consider him a clear underdog.
Despite having just one victory 154lbs to his name, ‘Boots’ is heavily favoured as the faster, harder-hitting and more explosive fighter, whose best win came via a sixth-round finish over Eimantas Stanionis in April 2025.
A key observer of this battle between two unbeaten operators will be Ortiz, who was in negotiations to face Ennis before taking legal action against Oscar De La Hoya and Golden Boy.
With the situation showing signs of improvement, however, the 28-year-old is expected to return to action later this year, potentially with a view to position himself for a clash against the winner of Zayas-Ennis.
Taking to social media, Ortiz expressed his view that he expects ‘Boots’ to emerge victorious.
“Jaron by KO [fourth] round if Xander stands and fights. If Xander fights smart and moves and tries to frustrate Jaron, then Jaron by KO 10th round.”
Jaron by KO 4th round if Xander stands and fights. If Xander fights smart and moves and tries to frustrate Jaron, then Jaron by KO 10th round
— Vergil Ortiz Jr. (@VergilOrtiz) June 26, 2026
Up to this point, Zayas has shown impressive footwork and ring IQ, but whether he can display these attributes against Ennis is another matter entirely.