Are all systems go for Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis' superstar liftoff?

Ennis can exit at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, and live on DAZN PPV, with two world titles in tow and a possible placement on the pound-for-pound list. But according to Eddie Hearn, there is even more at stake for the former unified 147-pound crown holder.

The Matchroom Boxing promoter believes a convincing victory over an unbeaten Zayas will launch Ennis’ superstar liftoff in the sport.

Already, his ascension has been stockpiling rocket fuel via Ennis, bringing out his home city in droves to see him.

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Sparks fly as Zayas and Ennis meet

Relive DAZN FACE OFF here

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Since Ennis signed a multi-fight promotional deal with Matchroom in April 2024, Hearn has made a concerted effort to raise his charge’s profile, beginning with his presence in ‘The City of Brotherly Love.’

In Ennis’ first fight with promotional outfit, Hearn positioned ‘Boots’ to fight David Avanesyan at Wells Fargo Center — home of the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers.

The result? Ennis spectacularly stopped the Russian in front of 14,000 fans.

His very next fight, less than four months later, Ennis reignited the same venue where he delivered a unanimous decision against Karen Chukhadzhian.

After stopping Eimantas Stanionis at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey, in April 2025, Ennis once again turned Wells Fargo Center, renamed Xfinity Mobile Arena by then, into his hotbed. He did that by authoring an electric first-round TKO of Uisma Lima to win the vacant WBA interim super welterweight title in October.

This methodical guiding of his career leads to this weekend’s tell-all sign at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, according to Hearn. 

“He’s got a massive fan base now,” Hearn exclusively told DAZN News . “I think his profile is one of the biggest in the sport, but you need the big fights. You need the marquee fights. This place will be full up June 27, and that’s when we really know we gotta superstar on our hands.”

Already, Ennis (35-0, 31 KOs) feels like he's the man at 154 pounds. 

"I feel like I’m the cash cow of the division," Ennis offered to DAZN News earlier into the buildup, "and I’m the best in the division."

Ennis, whose crowd-pleasing sweet science style is as entertaining and skilled as any star in boxing, hasn’t disappointed yet. Hearn is counting on his performance to push the button toward all systems being a go for ‘Boots’ as long as he soundly defeats Zayas.

"Xander is a real guy, so if we edge out in a close decision and win, it’s not a disaster," Hearn said. "But in order for you guys and everybody to say this is the next superstar for boxing, the next pound-for-pound No. 1 in the sport, we gotta go in there and do a job that makes everybody go ‘wow.’

“I believe   he’ s the one,” Hearn emphasized, “and he’ll show it.”

Can defeating Xander Zayas lift Jaron 'Boots' Ennis to superstar status?

Analysis: DAZN News' Mark Lelinwalla

Just as Jaron 'Boots' Ennis easily marks the toughest challenge of Xander Zayas' career, I believe that the unified super welterweight world champion spells the toughest test against the Philadelphia fighter's ledger thus far as well. That notion shouldn't be lost beforehand.

If 'Boots' can take the undefeated 23-year-old Puerto Rican fighter and reduce his skills to a clearly lower tier than that of his own sweet science abilities, I fully believe all systems are go for Ennis' superstar liftoff.

Then, a showdown with WBC 154-pound champ Sebastian Fundora could turn Jaron 'Boots' Ennis into a household name.

Zayas vs. Ennis - watch only on DAZN

Xander Zayas defends his WBO and WBA super welterweight titles against Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis on Saturday, June 27, exclusively live on DAZN. Buy as a one-off PPV or included, along with Joshua vs. Prenga (July 25) and Canelo vs. M'billi (Sept 12) PPVs, with a DAZN Ultimate Tier subscription.

For more information, pricing, and to buy, click here .