Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn recently had a Facetime conversation with His Excellency Turki Alalshikh following Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis’ impressive fifth-round victory over David Avanesyan. During their conversation, Alalshikh expressed interest in making a fight between Terence Crawford and Ennis happen next, provided that the much-anticipated clash between Crawford and Canelo Alvarez does not materialize in the first quarter of 2025.
Hearn highlighted two main reasons why the Crawford vs. Alvarez fight seems unlikely to materialize. First, Crawford is scheduled to face Israil Madrimov on August 3rd, which could potentially result in a loss for the undefeated boxer. Additionally, Canelo Alvarez does not appear to be interested in facing Crawford, as it would not offer him much in terms of credit or financial incentive. Alvarez may see the fight with Crawford as a no-win situation, with little to gain from defeating an aging fighter like Crawford.
While the financial incentive may be there for Terence Crawford to face Boots Ennis, the risk of losing to a rising star like Ennis could potentially tarnish Crawford’s legacy. Hearn compared Crawford to Adrien Broner, suggesting that Crawford may have been overrated by fans due to his victories over B-level fighters in lower weight divisions. Challenging Ennis represents a significant risk for Crawford, as a loss could call into question Crawford’s status as an elite fighter.
For Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis, a fight against Terence Crawford represents a massive opportunity to showcase his skills against a top-tier opponent. Ennis may not get another chance to face Crawford until 2026 if the fight does not happen in 2025, given Crawford’s limited activity and preference for big-money fights. Ennis stands to benefit significantly from a showdown with Crawford, as it would elevate his status in the welterweight division and potentially lead to more high-profile opportunities in the future.
While Ennis has aspirations of unifying the welterweight division, a potential bout with Crawford offers a more immediate and compelling challenge. Hearn emphasized the significance of a Crawford vs. Ennis matchup, describing it as one of the biggest fights in the sport. Ennis’ dominant performance against Avanesyan showcased his skills and potential, making him a formidable opponent for Crawford.
The prospect of a Crawford vs. Ennis fight holds significant intrigue and potential for both fighters. While there are obstacles to overcome and risks to consider, the significance of the matchup cannot be understated. As negotiations progress and discussions continue, boxing fans eagerly await the possibility of witnessing these two talented fighters square off in the ring.