Jaron Ennis rates Josh Kelly sharper than Xander Zayas before unification
Jaron Ennis has hit back at critics of Josh Kelly ahead of their WBA, WBO and IBF super-welterweight unification at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Saturday 27 February.
Post by @ringmagazine on X
Jaron Ennis has said Josh Kelly and Xander Zayas were the two most skilled fighters at super-welterweight, and has rejected the suggestion that the British IBF champion will be an easy night's work when they meet for three of the four belts at 154lbs.
The fight, on Saturday 27 February at the State Farm Arena, will be Matchroom Boxing's first show in Atlanta. For Kelly, it is a chance to add the WBA and WBO titles to his IBF belt. The only title missing would be the WBC belt held by Sebastian Fundora, the last obstacle to an undisputed champion at the weight.
Ennis has fought twice at super-welterweight. He stopped Uisma Lima in the first round of his divisional debut, then took the unified WBA and WBO titles from Zayas.
Speaking in an interview with YSM Sports Media, the Philadelphian said he did not like how people were downplaying Kelly. He rated Kelly as sharper and slicker than Zayas, and said critics claiming the Briton cannot fight were wrong.
Ennis said: “I ain’t taking him lightly and y’all gonna see on February 27th. I am going to show y’all, am going to put my hands on him and take that belt home.”
Every UK fight result and what's next, every Friday. Get the free UK fight briefing
More Boxing from Combat Sports UK
The UK fight briefing
The stories, results and upcoming fights worth knowing. Every Friday.