Jaron Ennis added another major achievement to his growing career after stopping Xander Zayas inside seven rounds to become a unified super welterweight champion. The dominant performance in Brooklyn caught the attention of boxing fans around the world, including retired great Terence Crawford, who offered a cryptic reaction on social media following the fight.
Ennis produced a clinical display at the Barclays Center, scoring three knockdowns before Zayas' corner threw in the towel. The victory strengthens the American's position among the elite names in world boxing and keeps him firmly in the conversation near the top of the pound for pound rankings.
Ennis overcomes early scare to dominate
Although the final result looked convincing, the fight was far from straightforward in the opening rounds. Zayas enjoyed success in the third, landing clean shots that briefly appeared to trouble Ennis and gave the Puerto Rican hope of producing a major boxing upset.
Ennis responded like a champion. After an entertaining fourth round, the Philadelphia star began controlling the distance with his sharp jab, quick footwork and accurate combinations. His relentless pressure eventually became too much, forcing three knockdowns before the referee waved the contest to an end following the intervention of Zayas' corner.
The impressive stoppage victory earned Ennis another world title and reinforced his reputation as one of the most dangerous fighters in professional boxing.
Crawford delivers a telling response
Before the fight, Ennis had suggested that former undisputed champion Terence Crawford would have been "easy work" if they had met during their time at welterweight. It was a bold statement that attracted plenty of attention across the boxing community.
Following the fight, Crawford offered a brief but intriguing response on social media.
"Ima keep my comments to myself, but y'all get it I hope."
Many fans interpreted the message as Crawford suggesting there are still clear differences between his achievements and Ennis' current level, despite the younger fighter's dominant performance.
Ennis already looking ahead
Asked about Crawford's comments after the fight, Ennis made it clear he has little interest in debating retired champions. Instead, his focus remains on collecting the remaining belts at 154 pounds and establishing himself as the division's undisputed champion.
Potential fights against Sebastian Fundora, Josh Kelly and long time rival Vergil Ortiz Jr are all among the biggest contests available in the division. Each would offer Ennis another opportunity to strengthen his boxing record and continue building a legacy of his own.
While comparisons with Crawford are likely to continue for years, Ennis now has the chance to create his own chapter in boxing history.
What Happens Next
With two world titles now around his waist, Ennis is expected to pursue further unification fights in one of boxing's most competitive divisions. Crawford may be retired, but his name will continue to surface whenever Ennis steps into the ring. Boxing Wiretap will continue bringing the latest boxing news, fight night reaction and expert boxing analysis as the super welterweight title picture develops.