Coming off a strong performance against Sebastian Fundora last weekend, Ermal Hadribeaj has considered how the WBC champion might fare against Jaron Ennis.
The super-welterweight contender entered his maiden world title shot against Fundora, who ultimately stopped his mandatory challenger in the final second of round 12.
Prior to the finish, though, the ‘Towering Inferno’ had been made to work harder than expected as Hadribeaj found repeated success on the inside.
That he was even able to get past the American’s 80-inch reach came as a surprise to many, while Fundora would argue that he was happy to trade leather at close quarters.
Either way, his latest performance has inspired some to suggest that, against Ennis, the 28-year-old is unlikely to get away with adopting the same approach.
This is partly due to the effectiveness of Hadribeaj’s raiding strategy, as the 32-year-old southpaw would often bring his feet into range, initiate a clinch and work his way around the long limbs of Fundora.
Hadribeaj, however, has argued that Boots may not enjoy the same success by employing such tactics, telling former two-time world champion Shawn Porter that the American cannot rely solely on his speed advantage.
“I don’t think [Ennis] is going to be able to fight the way I [did against] Fundora. When you go in the ring with Fundora, you realise something that is not normal.
“So if [Ennis is] going to [try and] capitalise on his quick movement, maybe it’s not going to work with Fundora.
“With [Fundora’s] height, everything he does works.”
Before an undisputed encounter with Fundora can materialise, Ennis must first defeat IBF champion Josh Kelly in a three-belt unification match that is expected to take place in January.
