Vergil Ortiz Jr looks to remain on the blockbuster Riyadh Season show that is being finalised for February 22, while Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis weighs up his options.
The pair were supposed to collide in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, at the beginning of 2025, featuring on the undercard of Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol’s eagerly anticipated rematch.
IBF world heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois, too, is expected to defend his title against seasoned operator Joseph Parker on the same night.
But now, with the potential super welterweight clash between Vergil Ortiz and Jaron Ennis becoming increasingly doubtful, a new, left field option has seemingly emerged.
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Xander Zayas agrees to fight Vergil Ortiz Jr on Riyadh Season card
Since edging a keenly contested majority decision against Serhii Bohachuk earlier this year, Ortiz has mentioned several possible opponents for his next outing.
The newly-crowned WBC interim super welterweight titlist initially called out four-division champion Terence Crawford and unified 154 lb king Sebastian Fundora, as well as Ennis.
However, it was ‘Boots’ who swiftly became a front runner for the 26-year-old, with the pair looking set to square off in a mouthwatering showdown.
With Ennis holding the IBF strap at 147 lbs, though, the American appears to be less keen on the idea of moving up in weight.
Instead, highly touted prospect Xander Zayas has thrown his name into the mix, insisting on social media that he has already accepted an offer that was sent by boxing power broker Turki Alalshik.
On X, he said: “They gave me an hour to say yes. I said yes in one minute.”
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Is Xander Zayas ready for a shot against Vergil Ortiz Jr?
Since turning professional back in 2019, Zayas has amassed 20 victories – 12 via stoppage – against fighters with varying levels of ability.
Earlier this year, the 22-year-old produced a measured performance to outpoint former world champion Patrick Teixeira through 10 rounds, displaying a level of maturity in his comprehensive victory.
But still, the Puerto Rican is relatively unproven compared to Ortiz, who seems to have rediscovered his destructive power since moving up to 154 lbs.
Unlike Ennis, though, Zayas will have no problem with meeting the American at his preferred weight ahead of what could be a stern test for the talented youngster.