Zayas vs. Ennis Predictions, Card Picks & Updated Odds (June 27)

Zayas can cruise in the slow moments, but he struggles when opponents pressure him and throw from odd angles. That describes Ennis’ game plan to a tee. Remaining calm and patient for all 12 rounds would be the champion’s best path to victory, but he is too willing to engage in a firefight when the temperature increases.

Ennis is the fighter with more tools in his shed and is adept at creating angles with his elite footwork, an aspect that Zayas has yet to face in his young career. ‘Boots’ will have the bigger moments from bell to bell, but he will not be able to crack Zayas’ rock-solid chin.

Best Bet: Emiliano Vargas Method of Victory

• Emiliano Vargas by KO/TKO (+130 on FanDuel)

One of the brightest young prospects in boxing, Emiliano Vargas, is being granted an opportunity to shine in the co-main event of Saturday’s fight card. Vargas looks to improve to 18-0 against New York-based regional fighter Bryce Mills.

Mills is not a total pushover, but he is still a slight step down from Vargas’ last win over Augustin Quintana. Mills fights behind his jab and a disciplined guard, which has been enough to beat his current competition. He has faced only four fighters with an 80 percent win rate, none of whom have ever graced the big stage.

When the hyper-aggressive Vargas struggles, it has been against fighters who could time his blitzes to land counters. Mills does not have that in his game. Even if Vargas does not land the big shot to put Mills down, his pressure and volume will eventually overwhelm his overmatched opponent.

Boxing Picks: Ben Whittaker Method of Victory

• Over 5.5 Rounds (-118 on FanDuel)

Whenever Ben Whittaker fights, he does not typically spend much time in the ring. Eight of his 12 fights have ended by knockout, and only four of them have gone past the fifth round. Whittaker is coming off three consecutive knockouts, all within the first two rounds.

Whittaker is on the best run of his career ahead of his United States debut against 35-year-old Rivera, whose best claim to fame is taking former champion Badou Jack to a hotly contested split decision in 2022. Rivera is much more defensively sound than either of Whittaker’s last three opponents, fighting behind a tight Philly shell and a battle-tested chin.

Rivera does not offer much offensively and typically throws just one punch at a time until he sees a mile-wide opening. However, his hand speed always throws his opponents off guard early. Rivera cannot match Whittaker’s blistering pace, but with the Englishman used to fighting with a massive speed advantage, he might need time to adjust to Rivera.

Few fighters pounce on hurt opponents the way Whittaker does when he smells blood. Yet, Rivera has been a tricky puzzle for every one of his opponents to solve, and that should include Whittaker on Saturday night.