Zayas has rematch clause with Boots Ennis, says Eddie Hearn

Xander Zayas has a rematch clause in his contract after losing to Jaron Ennis, Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed in a post-fight media session, though Hearn expects the Puerto Rican to move up to middleweight instead of exercising the option.

Hearn told reporters that Zayas took significant punishment in the bout and believes Ennis would perform even better in a second meeting, per Bad Left Hook. The promoter noted that despite Ennis' extensive amateur background, the Zayas fight marked his first high-pressure test at the elite level.

Hearn compares Ennis and Rodriguez styles

Asked about similarities between Ennis and flyweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">super flyweight champion Jesse Rodriguez, Hearn drew a direct line between their aggressive approaches. Both fighters favor entertaining brawls over careful decisions, he said, adding that Rodriguez recently absorbed heavy shots against Vargas by choice to secure a stoppage rather than coast to the cards.

"For me, I know that's what the casuals want to watch," Hearn said of the pair's fan-friendly styles, per the report. He acknowledged that purists might criticize the extra punishment each fighter takes but defended the thrilling nature of their performances.

On the possibility of Rodriguez facing Naoya Inoue, Hearn said Matchroom has received no formal approach for that fight. Turki Alalshikh mentioned the matchup previously, but the camp is currently planning a November or December defense for Rodriguez unless serious talks develop.

Hearn also addressed Oleksandr Usyk's decision to vacate his heavyweight titles ahead of a rumored fight with Deontay Wilder, saying the Ukrainian has earned the right to pick his own path after dominating the division. Rodriguez defends his titles later this year.

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• Bad Left Hook — ‘Xander has a rematch clause’: Eddie Hearn talks next steps for Boots Ennis and Bam Rodriguez