‘If he wins, he’s a megastar’: Paulie Malignaggi says Xander Zayas has chance to break through with win over Boots Ennis

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 14: Xander Zayas punches Slawa Spomer during their junior middleweight fight during their junior bantamweight fight during their lightweight fight during their welterweight fight, during their heavyweight fight at The Theater at Madison Square Garden on February 14, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) | Getty Images Boxing analyst Paulie Malignaggi gives his impression of the recently announced junior middleweight title fight between Xander Zayas and Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis . Malignaggi admits his surprise that Zayas’ team were so willing to throw him into this fight at such a young age, but says with the big risk comes a big reward should Zayas come through.

“I’m surprised they put in Zayas that early,” Malignaggi said. “Xander will fight anybody, he’s that kind of fighter. Super marketable fighter, so that’s why I was surprised they’ve taken this chance with him a little early.

If he wins, he’s a megastar. Ennis is one of the best fighters in the sport today. This is a fight both of them need, but I think Ennis needed it more because he’s a little older.

With Zayas, you have time to wait on this kind of risk. “So credit to both guys for making it, credit to DAZN for making it, for getting all these promoters together and making these big fights. This is an exciting fight for the reason that at this point it serves Ennis better.