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‘If he wins, he’s a megastar’: Paulie Malignaggi says Xander Zayas has chance to break through with win over Boots Ennis
TL;DR
Xander Zayas is set to face Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis in a junior middleweight title fight, with boxing analyst Paulie Malignaggi highlighting the potential for Zayas to become a megastar if he wins. Malignaggi expresses surprise at Zayas' early entry into such a significant match but acknowledges the high reward that comes with it.
Key points
- Xander Zayas is fighting Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis for a junior middleweight title.
- Paulie Malignaggi comments on the risk and reward of the fight for Zayas.
- A win for Zayas could make him a megastar in boxing.
Mentioned in this story
Paulie Malignaggi
Xander ZayasJaron ‘Boots’ Ennis
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 14: Xander Zayas punches Slawa Spomer during their junior middleweight fight during their junior bantamweight fight during their lightweight fight during their welterweight fight, during their heavyweight fight at The Theater at Madison Square Garden on February 14, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Boxing analyst Paulie Malignaggi gives his impression of the recently announced junior middleweight title fight between Xander Zayas and Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis. Malignaggi admits his surprise that Zayas’ team were so willing to throw him into this fight at such a young age, but says with the big risk comes a big reward should Zayas come through.
“I’m surprised they put in Zayas that early,” Malignaggi said. “Xander will fight anybody, he’s that kind of fighter. Super marketable fighter, so that’s why I was surprised they’ve taken this chance with him a little early. If he wins, he’s a megastar. Ennis is one of the best fighters in the sport today. This is a fight both of them need, but I think Ennis needed it more because he’s a little older. With Zayas, you have time to wait on this kind of risk.
“So credit to both guys for making it, credit to DAZN for making it, for getting all these promoters together and making these big fights. This is an exciting fight for the reason that at this point it serves Ennis better. In two years it would have served Zayas better. So, we’ll see if Zayas can pull this off because he becomes a major, major star if he does.”
Zayas defends his WBO world title against Boots on June 27, streaming live on DAZN PPV.
Q&A
What is the significance of the fight between Xander Zayas and Boots Ennis?
The fight is significant as it presents a major opportunity for Xander Zayas to elevate his status in boxing and potentially become a megastar if he wins.
Why did Paulie Malignaggi express surprise about Zayas fighting Ennis?
Malignaggi was surprised because Zayas is taking on a high-stakes fight at a young age, which is considered a big risk but also offers a substantial reward.
How does this fight impact the careers of both Zayas and Ennis?
The fight is crucial for both fighters; while Zayas has time to develop, Ennis, being older, needs this fight more to solidify his position among the best in the sport.
