Ennis Stops Zayas to Win Junior Middleweight Titles
Jaron “Boots” Ennis defeated Xander Zayas by seventh-round technical knockout in the main event at Barclays Center in Brooklyn on June 27, 2026. The stoppage came at 1:49 of the round, giving Ennis the WBA and WBO junior middleweight titles. The fight had been billed as a clash between unbeaten champions, but only one man left with both belts.
Zayas had success early and scored a first-round knockdown. Ennis responded by increasing his pressure, hurting Zayas in the third and sending him down in the fifth and seventh rounds. Referee David Fields stepped in after Ennis landed a sustained combination, ending a competitive fight that had changed momentum more than once.
The result followed the final press conference covered in the original article. Ennis’ confidence was evident during fight week, but the outcome was determined in the ring. Top Rank records the bout as a seventh-round TKO, and The Ring reported the 1:49 stoppage and Ennis’ victory in the title unification.
Ennis moved to junior middleweight and added two major titles with the win. Zayas suffered his first professional loss after a strong start, including the early knockdown. The official finish was a referee stoppage rather than a decision, and the round and time distinguish it from the other bouts on the Brooklyn card.
Related reporting and sources: Boots Ennis · WBA’s official report · wbaboxing.com · Boxing · Combat Sports
