Ennis vs Ortiz Fight Is Off; Zayas Or Kelly Should Be Top Priority

Vergil Ortiz in the Wind; Jaron Ennis Should Target Zayas or Kelly

WBA interim 154-pound contender Jaron “Boots” Ennis is on the hunt for a dance partner now that Vergil Ortiz could be tied up in a legal battle with Golden Boy Promotions. Boots could possibly face unified champion Xander Zayas or IBF champion “Pretty Boy” Josh Kelly next.

The boxing world is abuzz after Golden Boy Promotions CEO Oscar De La Hoya won a ruling that his legal issues with Ortiz will be resolved through arbitration. This puts a huge roadblock in front of the Ennis vs Ortiz fight being made. This means the Philadelphian will have to shift gears and go in another direction.

A TITLE FIGHT IS THE ONLY LOGICAL OPTION

There are two viable options that could play out, resulting in a title shot for Boots. There is a chance he could challenge Zayas, the WBA champion. Being the interim champion, the organization would welcome the fight, and so would the fans. The Puerto Rican unified champion is coming off a huge win against one-time champion Abass Baraou on January 31. The only question that remains is whether Top Rank would be willing to make such a dangerous fight.

A fight with Kelly is more likely to happen, considering they fight under the same promotional banner. The IBF champion proved he can finally win the big fight after defeating one-time champion Bakhram Murtazaliev. Prior to winning the title, Team Kelly expressed having no problems facing Ennis. In fact, they had agreed to terms, providing the Ortiz fight falls through.

Ennis is hungry to prove that he belongs at the top of the mountain in the division. A fight with either champion would be enticing to boxing fans, as both Zayas and Kelly bring a style that would make for a good fight. With the Ortiz fight looking like it’s not going to happen, a title fight should be a top priority for Team Ennis.

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