Ennis Faces Three Paths To Undisputed Glory

Jaron Ennis finally controls his own destiny at junior middleweight. After beating Xander Zayas in June to claim the WBA and WBO titles, the Philadelphia fighter no longer chases opportunities — he creates them.

Three opponents stand out, each offering a different championship prize, according to a column by Rick Reeno at The Ring. Josh Kelly holds the IBF belt, Sebastian Fundora the WBC strap, and Vergil Ortiz a shot at the vacant Ring championship. Ennis could fight all three and cement his legacy.

Kelly Offers IBF Belt And UK Payday

Kelly recently outpointed Caoimhin Agyarko in Saudi Arabia to retain his IBF title. A fight with Ennis in England could sell out a stadium and give the American a third major belt. Kelly has publicly welcomed the matchup, and the commercial appeal is obvious — a massive British crowd, another world title, and expanded international profile for Ennis.

Fundora presents the toughest stylistic puzzle. Nearly six-foot-six with freakish reach, the California fighter battles on the inside despite his size advantage. Ennis would bring superior speed and athleticism, but Fundora's awkwardness and volume make him one of the division's hardest assignments. The winner walks away with more than a belt.

Ortiz may be the best fight available. The Ring ranks Ennis first and Ortiz second at junior middleweight, meaning their clash would decide the vacant Ring championship. Ortiz throws every punch with bad intentions and never steps backward. Ennis switches stances seamlessly, counters with precision, and can match aggression when needed. The Ring belt carries weight that sanctioning body titles sometimes lack — it goes to the winner of the best versus the best.

Ennis holds three clear paths forward. Kelly brings another sanctioning body title and a UK stadium atmosphere. Fundora offers the WBC belt in what would be a pay-per-view action fight. Ortiz represents the Ring championship and arguably the division's most compelling matchup. The ideal scenario is fighting all three.

Source: ringmagazine.com