Jaron Ennis is eager to cement himself as the top dog at 154lbs, targeting a fellow world champion who he believes would complement his skillset.
The 29-year-old became a two-division unified champion last month, with a sixth-round stoppage over Xander Zayas earning him the WBO and WBA super-welterweight titles.
Prior to that, ‘Boots’ had been in talks for a clash with Vergil Ortiz Jr, who many believe would pose a significant threat if they ever lock horns.
Due to a promotional dispute with Oscar De La Hoya and Golden Boy, though, Ortiz has remained out of the ring since his second-round finish over Erickson Lubin in November.
The 28-year-old is now seemingly eyeing a return later this year while Ennis, it seems, is hoping to secure a three-belt unification match with either Sebastian Fundora or Josh Kelly.
Fundora, in particular, represents an intriguing and high-profile opponent for ‘Boots’, who has told The Pivot Podcast that, even while contending with an 8in height disadvantage, he would ultimately prove a level above the WBC champion.
“I want him [Fundora]. I want him. I don’t care [that he’s 6ft 6in]. Bring him on, you’re going to see I’m really different. These guys don’t do what I do. Y’all [will] see as I keep going up and keep fighting these different guys, I’m going to keep getting better and better.”
Fundora, who comes off a sixth-round finish over Keith Thurman, is set to defend his world title against mandatory challenger Ermal Hadribeaj later this year.
More likely for Ennis, then, is a unification match with IBF champion Kelly, who must first retain his title against unbeaten contender Caoimhin Agyarko on July 25.