Jaron Ennis aims to become a two-division champion at the expense of unified champion Xander Zayas, who himself is looking to legitimize his reign as champion when the two undefeated fighters square off at Barclays Center in Brooklyn this weekend.
Ennis enters as a -500 favorite, while Zayas is a +350 underdog. Ennis and Zayas are staking their futures on this significant clash between two elite junior middleweights, and Ennis has a huge edge in my Xander Zayas vs. Jaron Ennis predictions and free betting picks for Saturday, June 27.
Who will win Xander Zayas vs Jaron Ennis: Jaron Ennis (-500)
The 23-year-old Xander Zayas is the youngest active world champion, who has used his slick boxing and technical brilliance to become a unified champion, but his narrow victory over Abass Baraou suggested he's still developing rather than arriving.
Against Baraou, Zayas won that fight because Baraou ran out of gas, but was legitimately troubled by Baraou’s pressure and heavy blows. Though Zayas is the champion, he’s also stepping up in class as Ennis represents an entirely different level of challenge. While Baraou was able to create difficult moments through pressure and physicality, Ennis is faster, stronger, and more athletic, and has proven finishing skills that have experts fawning over his potential.
Despite recently debuting at junior middleweight, Ennis might be the best fighter in the division. Zayas is a fundamentally sound boxer who relies on feints and discombobulating combinations designed to disrupt rather than disable, which has suited him well against his current level of competition, but rarely carries fighters to the top of a division as historically deep as 154 pounds.
To beat Ennis, a fighter must possess either elite physical tools or a clear stylistic advantage. Zayas appears to have neither.
Xander Zayas vs Jaron Ennis best bet: Jaron Ennis by KO/TKO (+100)
Ennis represents a significant leap in class for Zayas, who looked like he hit a ceiling most young fighters encounter on their way to winning a title, and not as a reigning and defending champion.
While Zayas is talented enough to have moments, Ennis' pressure and offensive variety should become overwhelming as the fight progresses.
With Ennis already trending as a -500 favorite and Zayas’ limited upside in this fight, this line should continue to climb ahead of fight night. I'd play Ennis by KO/TKO up to -150.
COVERS INTEL: Ennis has stopped four of his last five opponents, recording finishes in both the early and late rounds, demonstrating his ability to carry his power throughout a fight.Xander Zayas vs Jaron Ennis odds
 |
||
|---|---|---|
| Method of Victory | Xander Zayas | Jaron Ennis |
| To win outright | +350 | -500 |
| To win by KO/TKO | +1000 | +100 |
| To win by points or decision | +600 | +170 |
| Total rounds | Over 10.5 -165 |
Under 10.5 +215 |
Odds as of 6-27.
Xander Zayas vs Jaron Ennis tale of the tape
| Xander Zayas | Jaron Ennis | |
|---|---|---|
| 23 | Age | 28 |
| 5-foot-10 | Height | 5-foot-10 |
| Junior Middleweight | Weight Class | Junior Middleweight |
| 74 inches | Reach | 74 inches |
| 23-0 | Record | 35-0 |
| 13 | Wins by KO | 31 |
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
