Why did Xander Zayas take this risky fight with Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis?

The Matchroom Boxing chairman walked the media through how the fallout of a proposed Ennis vs. Vergil Ortiz Jr. bout paved the way for an opening, and that he was “still in shock” that the young Puerto Rican sensation took the fight.

So, the question is why?

Why is Zayas, the unified WBA/WBO super welterweight world champion, so willing to risk his titles and unblemished record against a more seasoned Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, and live on DAZN PPV , on Saturday night?

For the 23-year-old Zayas (23-0, 13 KOs), it’s partly daring to be great and partially seeing what he believes to be a vulnerability in Ennis’ smooth science game.

“I saw things in ‘Boots’ Ennis that I know I could take advantage of, that I know I can do well against him,” Zayas told DAZN News during an exclusive interview during the buildup to this weekend’s fight. “And also, I want to be great. And to be great, you gotta fight the best.”

Many critics and fans alike believe Ennis (35-0, 31 KOs) represents "the best" at 154 pounds, where he’s currently the WBA interim titleholder, having previously reigned as a unified welterweight world champion.

While Zayas has increasingly been upping his level of competition, just scoring a hard-fought split decision over Abass Baraou in January, he believes his ledger is sorely missing the star name that can bolster his fighting profile. Zayas could have taken an alternative, easier route in defending his titles, but ‘Boots’ gives him what he’s been yearning for.

“It’s one thing to say ‘Oh yeah, I fought the best’ or ‘I am the best,’ and your resume doesn’t reflect that,” Zayas offered. “I feel like I always say I’m the best, this is the way to go.”

With that, Zayas is showing a gutsy willingness to step into the matrix of ‘Boots’ Ennis, a slick Philadelphia fighter who has been compared to International Boxing Hall of Famer Roy Jones Jr. for his pinpoint potshot accuracy and elusive defensive prowess.

Still, Zayas is undeterred. If Ennis is indeed “the boogeyman” of the division, as Hearn called him, the bold Puerto Rican fighter wants to see for himself.

“It doesn’t matter who they compare him to,” uttered Zayas, brimming with confidence. “We gotta step into that ring. He’s got two hands, I got two hands, and we’re going to see who’s the best man.”

It’s the dare-to-be-greater challenge that Zayas has eagerly signed up for, having circled it on his calendar in anticipation.

“June 27 is the date,” he affirmed. “I’m going to put on a show, and I’m gonna show why I’m the best 154-pounder in the world.”

A carefully calculated risk for Zayas?

Analysis: DAZN News' Mark Lelinwalla

At 23, Xander Zayas has heard naysayers question if he's ready for a more experienced Jaron 'Boots' Ennis, and his attitude is 'let's find out.' From interviewing him a few times, I strongly sense Zayas does not want to wait for the media to tell him he's in his proverbial prime. He wants to test his skills  now . In his mind, daring to be greater by putting his titles on the line against a fellow unbeaten fighter in Ennis will tell him — and the boxing world — exactly where he stands in the sport. And that's all the calculation he needs with this lofty risk.

Watch Zayas vs. Ennis exclusively on DAZN

Xander Zayas puts the WBA/WBO super welterweight titles against Jaron "Boots" Ennis this 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.