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It’s getting harder and harder to ignore Xander Zayas’ chances against Jaron Ennis

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Image: Xander Zayas' Chances Against Jaron Ennis Getting Harder To Ignore

Most observers see unified junior middleweight champion Jaron “Boots” Ennis as the clear favorite ahead of his June 27 bout with Xander Zayas.

But at least one analyst is starting to see this fight differently.


“Maybe I’m starting to buy into the idea that Zayas might have a better chance than most people are giving him,” Chris Mannix said on DAZN’s Beyond The Bell.

Mannix also revealed that confidence in Zayas’ camp is growing as the fight gets closer.

“When I talk to people in his camp, they say he’s having the best camp he’s ever had, that he’s as motivated as ever. He hears all the doubters. He sees all the activity on social media,” Chris said.

Former world champion Sergio Mora agreed that Zayas brings a unique challenge to the fight, pointing to his size advantage over Ennis.

“He’s naturally a bigger fighter. He’s going to pressure Boots. We saw Boots get hit,” Mora said. “Can he take hits from a bigger fighter like Xander Zayas, who is just confident?”

Zayas enters the fight as a junior middleweight with a long career, while Ennis is preparing for just his second appearance at 154 pounds after moving up from welterweight earlier this year. Although Ennis remains the bookmakers’ favorite, this fight has become one of the most anticipated fights of this summer.

The winner will leave Brooklyn with Ennis’ unified WBA and WBC junior middleweight titles and take an vital step towards becoming a top attraction in the division.

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Categories Jaron Ennis, Xander Zayas

Last updated: 22/06/2026 at 3:53

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Derek Chisora Slams Dana White Regarding Fighter Treatment Issues

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Derek Chisora Slams Dana White Regarding Fighter Treatment Issues

Derek Chisora accused Dana White of operating like a “slave owner,” but Conor Benn’s lucrative move to Zuffa Boxing offers a substantial counterpoint to the heavyweight’s attack.

Chisora’s complaint centered on White turning fighters away from his platform. That hardly explains the comparison, especially with Benn reportedly collecting $15 million for his first Zuffa appearance alone.

“Dana White is not my cup of tea, to be honest with you,” Chisora said in an interview with Fight Hub TV following the Tyson Fury–Anthony Joshua press conference. “Because the way he operates is just, he operates like a slave owner, man. You know, fighters want to fight on his platform. He tells them, ‘You’re not good enough for me, so go away.’ What is a fighter going to do? What is he going to do after that? That’s not right.”

Benn’s experience makes that accusation difficult to defend. His reported $15 million purse for facing Regis Prograis was followed by a world-title opportunity against Ryan Garcia. White’s platform has delivered both substantial money and a major fight for the British welterweight.

One boxer’s earnings cannot answer every question about a promoter’s treatment of fighters. But Chisora supplied no named example to support his accusation. Benn gives readers something concrete to weigh against it.

Chisora also argued that a fighter who performs poorly one night can improve the next time. Fair enough. Promoters still have to decide whom to sign, how many places they can offer, and which fights they want to stage. Wanting a contract does not create an entitlement to one.

His example concerns access to White’s platform, rather than restrictions imposed on someone already fighting there. Those are different issues, and Chisora never explained how rejection justified his language.

Asked about the dispute between Eddie Hearn and White, Chisora made his personal dislike clear. What he failed to provide was an argument strong enough to carry such a loaded accusation.

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Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury: Live London Press Conference Showdown

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"Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury: Live London Press Conference Showdown"

The long-awaited, all-British heavyweight blockbuster between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua is officially set for December 11 at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

Backed by Saudi powerbroker Turki Alalshikh, the defining clash will see both men pocket a career-high purse and settle the debate – to a degree – of this generation’s best UK heavyweight.

After more than a decade of false starts and fractured negotiations, the two former heavyweight champions will finally settle their rivalry in what promises to be the biggest commercial event in British boxing history. Broadcast rights have been secured by Netflix for a global audience and Filipino icon Manny Pacquiao may appear on the undercard, despite turning 49 one week after the event.

Crucially, Joshua’s camp held firm during negotiations to ensure the bout remained on domestic soil. Despite the potential for more lucrative offers overseas, ‘AJ’ refused to budge on the location, and the pair meet today in London to make it official.

Fans can watch live via the stream below, with the proceedings expected to kick off at 6 PM – though delays and gamesmanship may be a factor.