Bozy Ennis believes Jaron “Boots” Ennis has the skills to beat Xander Zayas on Saturday, but he also knows exactly where the danger can come from: his son’s desire to finish fights.
Ennis will challenge Zayas for the WBA and WBO super welterweight titles at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. It is Ennis’ biggest fight yet, and a chance to become unified champion in a second division.
Bozy says Boots can box inside, outside, move and fight, but admits he sometimes needs to be reminded to return to his boxing instead of chasing the stoppage.
“A lot of times, once he hurts you, he goes for the kill,” Bozy said. “I tell him all the time: A hurt fighter is a dangerous fighter.”
That risk showed in Ennis’ rematch with Karen Chukhadzhian, when Boots was briefly rocked after pushing for the finish. Bozy accepts that his son takes chances because he likes to fight, but against a bigger, unbeaten champion like Zayas, one mistake could matter.
Zayas is expected to be strong at 154lbs, with some observers noting how much he can rehydrate after the weigh-in. Bozy respects him and hopes the Puerto Rican champion can force Ennis to show another level.
“This is boxing. Anything can happen,” Bozy said. “One mistake, and it can be over with.”
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Image Credit: The Ring