Hearn Teases Ennis' Next Fight, Xander Zayas or Josh Kelly Possible

Promoter Eddie Hearn reveals Jaron 'Boots' Ennis could return to the ring in a title bout as soon as June.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 7:51pm

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Fans have been eagerly awaiting an update on when they'll see rising star Jaron 'Boots' Ennis back in the boxing ring. Ennis' promoter, Eddie Hearn, has now revealed that the 154-pound fighter could return in a title fight as soon as June, with current WBA and WBO champion Xander Zayas and IBF titleholder Josh Kelly as potential opponents.

Why it matters

Ennis is one of the most exciting young talents in boxing, and a fight against the likes of Zayas or Kelly would be a major event for the sport. Both potential matchups would showcase Ennis' skills against elite-level competition as he continues his ascent towards superstardom.

The details

Ennis was previously set to fight Vergil Ortiz Jr. before legal issues scuttled those plans. He last fought in October 2025, scoring a first-round knockout of Uisma Lima in a tune-up bout after moving up to the 154-pound division. Hearn revealed that 'Boots' was originally targeted to return in April or May, but the fight is now likely to happen in June. The promoter said he expects to 'pull the trigger' on Ennis' next opponent within the next week, with Zayas and Kelly as the leading candidates.

  • Ennis last fought in October 2025.
  • Ennis was originally targeted to return in April or May 2026.
  • Ennis' next fight is now likely to happen in June 2026.

The players

Jaron 'Boots' Ennis

A rising 154-pound star who is one of the most exciting young talents in boxing.

Eddie Hearn

Ennis' promoter, who revealed details about the fighter's next bout.

Xander Zayas

The current WBA and WBO super welterweight champion, a potential next opponent for Ennis.

Josh Kelly

The current IBF super welterweight champion, another potential next opponent for Ennis.

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What they’re saying

“There have been some conversations with Xander Zayas. As good a fight as the Ortiz fight was, Xander Zayas is right up there as well. Also, we have Josh Kelly, a champion in the weight class as well.”

— Eddie Hearn, Ennis' Promoter

“Absolutely [we're interested]. Absolutely [there are talks ongoing]. Yeah, we're talking. I'm not sure Puerto Rico's the place to do it. In a perfect world, I love New York for that fight, but the availability is [difficult]. Xander wants the fight, we'd love to do the fight, and I know that Matchroom and DAZN would love to see Boots get that fight.”

— Todd DuBoef, President of Top Rank

What’s next

Within the next week, Eddie Hearn expects to finalize Jaron 'Boots' Ennis' next fight, which could be against either Xander Zayas or Josh Kelly for a super welterweight title.

The takeaway

Jaron 'Boots' Ennis is one of the most exciting young stars in boxing, and a potential fight against either Xander Zayas or Josh Kelly would be a major event for the sport. Fans are eager to see Ennis return to the ring in a high-profile title bout as he continues his rise to the top of the 154-pound division.