XANDER Zayas admits that, even though he has business to take care of on July 26, a potential clash with Jaron Ennis only enhances his competitive spirit.
The 22-year-old will take on Jorge Garcia Perez later this month, headlining a Top Rank show at the Madison Square Garden Theater, New York.
More importantly, the number-one ranked contender has been presented with an opportunity to claim the WBO world super-welterweight title, a belt that was recently vacated by Sebastian Fundora.
Indeed, it appeared as though Zayas, 21-0 (13 KOs), would collide with ‘The Towering Inferno’ in his first stab at world honours, only for Fundora to ultimately secure a rematch with Tim Tszyu.
As a result, Perez, the WBO’s number-two ranked challenger, has emerged as a sturdy threat to Zayas’ title aspirations.
The 28-year-old comes off a career-best victory over Charles Conwell where, back in April, he utilised his unorthodox style to outpoint the established contender.
At the same time, though, Zayas has been made a sizable favourite ahead of their showdown, not least because of several comprehensive performances that have rapidly accelerated his progression in the sport.
Should he get past Perez, the Puerto Rican is then likely to clamour for the biggest fights at 154lbs, using his WBO title as a bargaining chip at the negotiating table.
One man who could be tempted by the belt, of course, is Ennis, 34-0 (30 KOs), who has now vacated his IBF welterweight strap and, in turn, confirmed his jump up to super-welterweight.
In response to the news, it is fair to say that Zayas, while not wishing to take his eye off the ball, has certainly been given plenty of food for thought.
“It definitely brings out my competitive side,” he told Boxing News. “But obviously, I don’t want to look at any name right now other than Jorge Garcia Perez.
“I know he’s coming to fight; I know he’s coming to win; I know he’s put everything on the line – just like I have – to be in this situation, so I’ve got to focus on him first.”
While remaining focused on the task at hand, Zayas equally acknowledges that a possible clash with ‘Boots’ should be relatively straightforward to make.
“I think that [Ennis moving up to 154lbs] was overdue,” he continued. “I wouldn’t say that he struggled, but he definitely didn’t have fun making 147lbs.
“He’s a big guy, so [the weight jump] was necessary for him, and it’s exciting to have him in the division.
“He’ll know where to find us. My manager works with Andy Cruz [Ennis’ stablemate], so his team knows where to contact me if they ever want to make something happen.”
