Is Terence Crawford Ducking a Fight With Jaron “Boots” Ennis?
It’s been a career-year for former undisputed welterweight champion Terence “Bud” Crawford (40-0, 31 KOs). In 2023, the 36-year-old elevated from a well-respected and highly accomplished world champion to a mainstream attraction. But despite the newfound popularity, is the king of 147 guilty of purposely avoiding a fight against Jaron “Boots” Ennis (31-0, 28 KOs)?
On November 9, news broke that Crawford had been stripped of the IBF welterweight title. Formerly the IBF Interim champion, Ennis was elevated to full-time champion.
HIS SIDE OF THE STORY
The reaction has been plentiful and varied from the boxing community. Some took the move as evidence that Bud doesn’t want any part of Ennis in the ring. Well, Crawford has decided enough is enough. The pride of Omaha, Nebraska took to social media to respond to what is becoming a growing narrative.
Crawford has been on the shelf since scoring a ninth-round stoppage over Errol Spence to become the undisputed champion on July 29. There is a rematch clause for a fight with Spence. But because Crawford won in such a dominating fashion, a growing contingent of fans would prefer Crawford to fight Ennis instead of going for an immediate rematch with Spence.
Boots certainly wants to fight the now-unified champion. Even after being crowned the full-time IBF champion, the 26-year-old from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania said the ultimate goal is a matchup with Crawford.
TALKING OUT OF BOTH SIDES OF HIS MOUTH?
But here’s Crawford’s problem. Before the fight with Spence, Bud said that Ennis had earned the opportunity to fight him. But now, Crawford is singing a different tune.
Next up for Crawford is likely the rematch with Spence. But Ennis is still hovering over the welterweight landscape. The question is: will we ever see a Crawford versus Ennis matchup? That’s in Crawford’s court. As it stands right now, it’s a fight that will not occur anytime soon.
In boxing as it is in life, perception is reality. Bud is a prideful man. But more and more, he is giving the impression that he may not want any smoke with Ennis.
