The New York fight against Xander Zayas is the one that could turn Philadelphia star Jaron “Boots” Ennis into America’s next big star.

Asked whether it will prove to be the launchpad for the 35-0 (31 KOs) Boots to crossover in America, promoter Eddie Hearn said, “Absolutely. I mean, I think Boots is pound-for-pound number one in waiting.”

“But Xander is a very good fighter. And this is where we find out. I mean, we saw it against [Eimantas] Stanionis, the levels.” Ennis stopped Stanionis last April in Atlantic City in six rounds.

The fight to be made was Ennis and Vergil Ortiz, but the protracted negotiations wound up with Ortiz at legal odds with his promoter, Golden Boy. In stepped Top Rank’s Zayas for a Brooklyn blockbuster bout at the Barclays Center on June 27.

“I never expected Xander to take the fight, if I’m honest,” Hearn added. “Because he’s a unified world champion. Boots is not a champion. I think he [Boots]’s the best fighter in the division. But Xander’s got some balls on him. And Xander’s a competitor and Xander wants to be in the biggest fights. So, massive credit and respect to him. And when the Ortiz fight fell apart, Sean Palmer, who works with us, he was dealing with Top Rank and he said, ‘Yeah, I think we've got a good chance of making the Xander fight.’”

“And we got it over the line. So, massive respect to both. I think it’s the Fight of the Year.”

He also believes Boots could be tested more than he has been so far in his career. “Xander’s better than Stanionis. And Xander's bigger than Stanionis. And Xander’s more confident than Stanionis.”

“But this is the kind of occasion, the kind of platform, the kind of moment, where if you’re special, you will announce yourself to the world. And that is what I expect from Jaron.”