Jaron Ennis became a two-weight unified world champion last night in Brooklyn, stopping Xander Zayas inside seven rounds. Watching on was a man who previously held belts in both divisions, Terence Crawford.
Ennis knocked Zayas down three times at the Barclays Center before the Puerto Rican’s corner threw in the towel, ending his reign as boxing’s youngest male unified champion.
Now the WBA and WBO super-welterweight champion, ‘Boots’ produced a performance full of precision, angles and power. It was not without adversity, however, as Zayas rocked him in the third round and briefly appeared to have the Philadelphia native in trouble.
After a thrilling fourth round with back-and-forth action, Ennis regained complete control and systematically beat the fight out of the brave 23-year-old.
The victory marks another significant step towards building his own legacy in the sport, but Ennis continues to be measured against Terence Crawford after the two never managed to meet while campaigning at welterweight. During fight week, the new champion even labelled ‘Bud’ “easy work.”
Reacting shortly after the performance, Crawford – who retired last year as an undefeated five-weight world champion – suggested the display showed there are still levels between the pair.
“Ima keep my comments to myself, but y’all get it I hope.”
Ima keep my comments to myself, but yall get it I hope.😂
— Terence Crawford (@terencecrawford) June 28, 2026
Asked about Crawford’s remarks during his post-fight press conference, Ennis insisted he is focused solely on taking over the super-welterweight division and is not concerned with what retired fighters have to say.
To do that, he must target the division’s other champions, Sebastian Fundora and Josh Kelly, while a long-discussed grudge match with Vergil Ortiz Jr also remains one of the biggest fights available at 154lbs.
