Jaron Ennis survives scare to stop Xander Zayas and unify 154lb titles in instant classic

Jaron “Boots” Ennis survived the toughest fight of his professional career before stopping Xander Zayas in the seventh round on Saturday night to unify the WBA and WBO super-welterweight titles at Barclays Center. The previously unbeaten Ennis knocked Zayas down three times and weathered a furious third-round rally before referee halted the bout at 1:49 of the seventh round, giving the Philadelphia native the signature victory that had eluded him despite years of being regarded as one of boxing’s brightest talents. Ennis improved to 36-0 with 32 knockouts, while Zayas suffered the first defeat of his career after entering the fight 23-0.

By Jason Griffith for PeeDeeWire

Yahoo Sports reports: Jaron “Boots” Ennis survived the toughest fight of his professional career before stopping Xander Zayas in the seventh round on Saturday night to unify the WBA and WBO super-welterweight titles at Barclays Center. The previously unbeaten Ennis knocked Zayas down three times and weathered a furious third-round rally before referee halted the bout at 1:49 of the seventh round, giving the Philadelphia native the signature victory that had eluded him despite years of being regarded as one of boxing’s brightest talents. Ennis improved to 36-0 with 32 knockouts, while Zayas suffered the first defeat of his career after entering the fight 23-0.