Stephen Edwards Warns Xander Zayas About Mean Side Of Boots Ennis

Edwards says trading with Ennis could bring out his most aggressive version

Stephen Edwards says Xander Zayas could bring out a more dangerous Jaron Ennis if he stands and trades. The trainer believes Ennis becomes more aggressive when the fight gets physical.

Ennis is scheduled to face WBA and WBO junior middleweight champion Zayas on June 27 on DAZN PPV. The matchup has drawn interest because Zayas is viewed as one of the younger names quickly rising in the sport, while Ennis is already a major name.

Edwards said too many people overlook Ennis when the fight gets physical at close range, where he believes the unbeaten Philadelphia fighter has another level.

“I feel like people underestimate what Boots Ennis is on the inside. I believe Xander fighting back and fighting hard will make Boots meaner and more spiteful. I can’t pick a round but I think Boots wins by stoppage,” Edwards said to Boxingscene.

That viewpoint points to the risk Zayas faces if he chooses ambition over caution. Trying to win exchanges and prove he belongs could give Ennis the kind of fight rhythm that brings out his finishing instincts.

Zayas has built a strong following and has been moved carefully toward bigger fights, but this would be a significant jump in level. Ennis has speed, size, punch variety, and more experience against world-class opposition.

The key issue may be whether Zayas can box with discipline without getting pulled into exchanges that favor Ennis. If the fight turns into a hard contest in the middle rounds, Edwards believes that may suit Boots more than the challenger.

Ennis has heard praise and criticism during his rise, but respected trainers still see the same thing when they study him: a fighter with extra gears once the fight becomes rough. Zayas may soon find out if that read is correct.

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