So when Zayas evaluated his options for his first fight as unified WBA and WBO 154-pound champion, it was a no-brainer who he wanted to face next.

Zayas and Jaron Ennis traded words before going face-to-face for the first time at Wednesday's launch press conference to officially announce their fight at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, where they'll meet June 27 exclusively on DAZN PPV.

The card will be co-promoted by Matchroom Boxing and Top Rank.

“It's always been about legacy,” Zayas said.

“Becoming the youngest ever signed with Top Rank, the youngest world champion at 22 when I did it. Youngest to unify and now, fighting one of the best in the world in the division. It's about legacy.

“Anybody could have taken the easy route and win [against] any other fighter [in the] top 15. Just get an easy win, collect some good cash and that's it. I want to fight the best [and] show that I'm the best every time I step into the ring. That's what I'm going to do on June 27.”

Zayas (23-0, 13 KOs) outpointed Jorge Garcia last July to win the then-vacant WBO belt. The 23-year-old then returned home to Puerto Rico and beat Abass Baraou by split decision, adding the WBA crown to his collection on January 31, becoming boxing's youngest unified titleholder.

Zayas, The Ring’s No. 3-ranked junior middleweight, had his choice between Ennis and IBF 154-pound beltholder Josh Kelly for his next opponent. While victory over Kelly (18-1-1, 9 KOs) would have put Zayas one win away from becoming an undisputed champion, the prospect of facing someone like Ennis won out.

“Anybody could go and fill out [Madison Square Garden], or go back to Puerto Rico and fight whoever,” Zayas said. “I wanted to fight whoever they say is the boogeyman.”

Ennis (35-0, 31 KOs), a former unified Ring, IBF and WBA welterweight champion, will make his second appearance at 154 pounds. His divisional debut was a quick one, dropping Uisma Lima twice and scoring a first-round stoppage during their Oct. 11 meeting.

Ennis, 28, is The Ring's No. 5-ranked junior middleweight contender for its vacant title.

This is the kind of matchup boxing fans have wanted for both. Ennis has shown otherworldly skill with his ability to box and punch from both stances, but has been the clear favorite against all of his opponents to this point. Zayas has similarly seemed skillful beyond his years, but equally been heavily favored in most of his 23 outings.

On June 27, they'll be facing their career-toughest tests. When the dust settles, Zayas remains confident he'll leave New York with a career-defining victory.

“I promise, I’m going to rip his heart out," he insisted.