While discussing the matchup on DAZN Boxing, commentator Todd Grisham pointed to the lofty praise Ennis has received throughout his career and the potential fallout if he comes up short against Zayas.

“There’s people who think he’s as good as Terence Crawford right now. He can beat Terence Crawford right now,” said Grisham to DAZN Boxing about Ennis. “But if you lose to Xander Zayas in the biggest fight of your life without being a champion, I think there’s going to be a lot of people who say, ‘Hey man, this guy was one of the most overhyped boxers in history.'”

The comments reflect how highly many fans and analysts rate Ennis. Despite compiling a 35-0 record with 31 knockouts, the Philadelphia native has often been judged more on his perceived potential than on the quality of his opposition.

Grisham’s point was that Ennis has been compared to Terence Crawford by some fans and media members for years. A loss to Zayas would likely lead critics to question those comparisons and the expectations that have followed him throughout his career.

However, some critics have argued that he has yet to secure the signature victory needed to validate those comparisons. That opportunity arrives next Saturday against the undefeated Zayas.

At 23-0 with 13 knockouts, Zayas already holds two world titles and has steadily built momentum as one of boxing’s top young champions.

Zayas enters the fight with a 23-0 record and holds the WBA and WBO junior middleweight titles. The 22-year-old Puerto Rican will be making one of the biggest defenses of his career against a fighter many have rated highly for years.

The fight for Ennis gives him a chance to win world titles in a second weight class. It is also the first time he will face Zayas after years of discussion about how he would perform against the top names at 154 pounds.

Is Boots as good as Terence Crawford? 😳#LockedIn

🎟️ Buy Zayas vs Ennis HERE –> https://t.co/FoiaUucI53#ZayasEnnis | June 27 | Live exclusively on DAZN pic.twitter.com/ohOj1LARWp

— DAZN Boxing (@DAZNBoxing) June 20, 2026