Bozy Says Cody Crowley Ducked Boots and Missed a Title Shot
You never want to give the impression that you’re ducking an opponent. But that seems to be the case for world-ranked welterweight contender Cody “The Crippler” Crowley (22-0, 9 KOs) after news broke he turned down an opportunity to face newly elevated IBF welterweight champion Jaron “Boots” Ennis (31-0, 28 KOs).
SHAKING IN HIS BOOTS?
The plan was for them to fight on November 25 on the undercard of the super middleweight showdown between David Benavidez and Demetrius Andrade. However, that is no longer the case. During an interview with YSM Sports Media, Ennis’s father, Derek “Bozy” Ennis, gave his thoughts on why Crowley said no to a fight.
“What happened is that once you get close to signing a contract or pushing the fight, guys turn around and say they didn’t want to take the fight. Once you get close to that time to fight, everybody changes their mind, and that’s what happened.”
Crowley made a name for himself with a unanimous decision win over Kudratillo Abdukakhorov in December 2021. Following that victory over Abdukakhorov, The Crippler has steadily risen in the welterweight rankings. Currently ranked number one by the WBC, second by the WBO, and third by the IBF, his most recent outing was a majority decision over Abel Ramos in March 2023. Boots is coming off an impressive tenth-round knockout over Roiman Villa in July 2023.
WHAT WAS LOST
A win for Crowley would’ve been the biggest of his career. It would’ve also made him a world champion at 147.
Bozy suggested The Canadian wanted more money. Another reason could be that Crowley wanted to preserve his world ranking. Whatever the case, it’s not a good look for him to bypass the fight and what would have been a golden opportunity.
