Xander Zayas Vows to Run Through Boots Ennis and Devin Haney

The young unified champion breaks down technical flaws and teases a ring walk with Bad Bunny ahead of his massive June 27 unification clash.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 2:10pm

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An abstract expressionist painting featuring dynamic, neon-colored brushstrokes that capture the intense physicality and energy of a boxing match, with the faces of the fighters blending into the vibrant, energetic composition.Two of boxing's brightest young stars collide in a clash of explosive power and precise technique.Brooklyn Today

In a candid interview, rising star Xander Zayas sat down to deliver bold truths about his upcoming fight against Jaron 'Boots' Ennis. The unified WBA/WBO junior middleweight champion broke down the technical flaws he sees in Boots, trolled Vergil Ortiz, and fired shots at Sebastian Fundora. Zayas also claimed he would have run through Devin Haney, detailed his growing role as the new face of Puerto Rican boxing, and teased a potential electric ring walk with Bad Bunny.

Why it matters

This fight between the young, undefeated champions Zayas and Ennis is one of the most highly anticipated matchups of 2026. Zayas' confident and outspoken comments have added significant hype and intrigue to the bout, which could cement his status as a rising superstar in the sport.

The details

In the interview, Zayas broke down what he sees as technical weaknesses in Ennis' game, claiming he will expose those flaws on June 27 at Barclays Center. He also took shots at other top fighters like Vergil Ortiz and Sebastian Fundora. Zayas expressed confidence that he would have easily handled current undisputed lightweight champion Devin Haney, and teased a potential collaboration with Puerto Rican music star Bad Bunny for an electric ring walk entrance.

  • The Zayas vs. Ennis unification fight is scheduled for June 27, 2026 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
  • Zayas and Ennis are both undefeated champions, with Zayas holding the WBA and WBO junior middleweight titles.

The players

Xander Zayas

The 24-year-old unified WBA/WBO junior middleweight champion, who is emerging as one of the new faces of Puerto Rican boxing.

Jaron 'Boots' Ennis

The undefeated IBF junior middleweight champion, who will be facing Zayas in a highly anticipated unification bout.

Vergil Ortiz

A top welterweight contender who Zayas took shots at in the interview.

Sebastian Fundora

The tall, rangy junior middleweight fighter who Zayas criticized for 'fighting the elderly'.

Devin Haney

The current undisputed lightweight champion, whom Zayas claimed he would have easily defeated.

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What they’re saying

“I see a lot of technical flaws in Boots' game that I'm going to expose on June 27th.”

— Xander Zayas, Unified WBA/WBO Junior Middleweight Champion

“Vergil Ortiz can't even get a fight, he's fighting the elderly. I'll run through him too.”

— Xander Zayas, Unified WBA/WBO Junior Middleweight Champion

“I would have run through Devin Haney, no problem. I'm the new face of Puerto Rican boxing.”

— Xander Zayas, Unified WBA/WBO Junior Middleweight Champion

What’s next

The winner of the Zayas vs. Ennis unification fight on June 27 will likely become the top junior middleweight in the sport and a potential future pound-for-pound star.

The takeaway

Xander Zayas has emerged as one of boxing's most confident and outspoken young champions, setting the stage for a highly anticipated clash with fellow undefeated titleholder Jaron 'Boots' Ennis. Their fight could cement Zayas' status as the new face of Puerto Rican boxing and a future superstar in the sport.