Jaron Ennis, the newly crowned unified super-welterweight world champion, is already making waves in the boxing world. After his impressive victory over Xander Zayas, Ennis is being linked to some of the biggest names in the 154lb division. But who will he face next? Promoter Eddie Hearn believes he has the answer.
Ennis' performance against Zayas was nothing short of spectacular, leaving no doubt about his dominance in the division. This victory not only secured the WBA and WBO titles but also solidified his status as the man to beat. Now, the focus shifts to potential matchups that could further elevate his status.
One name that has been thrown around is Sebastian Fundora, the WBC world champion. However, Fundora is expected to face mandatory challenger Ermal Hadribeaj, who outpointed Bakary Samake in May. This means Fundora might not be available for an immediate bout with Ennis.
Another potential opponent is Josh Kelly, the IBF world titleholder and a fellow Hearn-promoted fighter. Hearn himself confirmed that there's a strong possibility of Kelly and Ennis facing off in November, provided Kelly successfully defends his title later this month. This fight would likely take place in the United States, with Philadelphia being a potential venue.
The build-up to this potential showdown is already heating up, with Kelly set to face Caoimhin Agyarko on the undercard of the Anthony Joshua-Prenga fight on July 25. A win for Kelly would set the stage for a major unification bout with Ennis, further cementing Ennis' place at the top of the super-welterweight division.
What makes this scenario particularly intriguing is the desire of both fighters to become undisputed champions. Ennis, known as 'Boots', is eager to hold all the belts, and a fight with Kelly would be a significant step towards that goal. Kelly, promoted by Hearn, is also looking to make his mark and potentially become a force to be reckoned with.
In my opinion, this potential bout between Ennis and Kelly is a must-see for boxing fans. It represents a clash of styles and ambitions, with both fighters having a lot to gain. The unification of the major titles would be a significant achievement, and it would further elevate the sport's profile. However, it's important to remember that boxing is a unpredictable sport, and upsets can happen. Only time will tell if this dream match will become a reality.
One thing is certain: Jaron Ennis is a force to be reckoned with, and his rise to the top of the super-welterweight division is a testament to his skill and determination. As for the future, the boxing world will be watching closely to see who Ennis will face next and whether he will continue his reign as the undisputed champion.