Crawford & Boots trade words

WORDS OF A POTENTIAL FIGHT: CRAWFORD vs. “BOOTS” ENNIS

Could one of boxing’s biggest “what if” matchups still happen?

The boxing world continues to debate a matchup that has been talked about for years: Terence “Bud” Crawford vs. Philadelphia’s Jaron “Boots” Ennis.

The rivalry never made it into the ring, but the conversation has only gotten louder. Ennis recently made a major statement at 154 pounds, stopping Xander Zayas in the seventh round to capture the WBA and WBO junior-middleweight titles.

And Crawford has certainly heard the noise.

Following Ennis’ victory, Crawford acknowledged that “Boots” is an extremely talented fighter with speed, power, defense and reflexes—but Crawford also made it clear that he believes his boxing IQ gives him a major advantage. Crawford famously said he was “10 steps ahead” of Ennis mentally inside the ring.

BUT THERE’S A PROBLEM…

Crawford is retired.

The former five-division champion has repeatedly indicated that he has no plans to return simply to prove himself against Ennis.

Meanwhile, Ennis has moved forward with his own career and established himself as one of the most dangerous young fighters in boxing. His move to 154 pounds has only added fuel to the fantasy matchup.

There is also history behind the debate. Ennis’ father and trainer, Bozy Ennis, has said Team Ennis tried to make fights with Crawford, Errol Spence Jr. and Keith Thurman during Boots’ rise through the welterweight division.

So the question remains:

If Crawford ever came out of retirement, would he really be “10 steps ahead” of Boots?

Or has Jaron Ennis developed into the fighter who could finally challenge Crawford’s legacy?

Right now, there is no officially announced Crawford–Ennis fight. But that hasn’t stopped boxing fans from talking.

Two generations. Two elite fighters. One unanswered question.

CRAWFORD vs. BOOTS — WOULD YOU WATCH IT?

THE UNTOLD INTERVIEW

Legacy • Pressure • Respect • Real Talk