Ennis Faces Three Defining Fights At Junior Middleweight

Jaron Ennis has three championship fights in front of him at junior middleweight, and there is no wrong choice among them.

Ennis captured the WBA and WBO straps by stopping Xander Zayas in June, and now every significant fighter in the division wants a piece of him. Three stand above the rest: IBF champion Josh Kelly, WBC titleholder Sebastian Fundora, and top contender Vergil Ortiz, who would contest a vacant Ring championship against Ennis, per The Ring's Rick Reeno.

Three Belts, Three Different Rewards

Kelly offers the clearest path to becoming a three-belt champion. The Sunderland native earned a decision over Caoimhin Agyarko last month in Jeddah and has openly welcomed an Ennis matchup. A stadium fight in Britain could expand Ennis' international profile while moving him one step closer to undisputed status.

Fundora presents a stylistic puzzle. The 6-foot-6 WBC champion fights on the inside despite his reach advantage, creating awkward exchanges that have troubled every opponent he has faced. Ennis would bring superior speed and athleticism; Fundora would counter with size and volume.

Ortiz holds no belt but carries the most intrigue. Ranked first and second respectively by The Ring, a showdown between the unbeaten stars would decide the magazine's vacant 154-pound title. Ortiz applies relentless pressure and throws every punch with bad intentions, while Ennis can switch stances, counter with precision, or meet him in the pocket. Ring Magazine called it "the single best fight that can be made at 154 pounds."

The ideal scenario is not choosing between them. Ennis camps next in late September, with Kelly and Fundora both expected to defend their titles before year-end.

Source: ringmagazine.com