Judah praised Ennis for overcoming adversity against Xander Zayas, pointing to the knockdown in the opening round and the difficult moments in the third before rallying to score the stoppage.
“He showed a lot of heart. He showed the world he could take a punch. He showed the world that he could be hurt and still pull it back together,” said Judah to MillCity Boxing about Boots Ennis. “That’s because of your condition. He took a shot, pulled it back together, and was able to come on and get the stoppage later on.”
Even with that performance, Judah drew a firm line when asked about Ennis potentially facing Crawford.
“Yes, 100%. This puts him up in the top 10 pound-for-pound, but this does not give him the right to call out Terence Bud Crawford. Stay away from that. That’s a different kind of fight,” said Zab.
Judah believes Ennis still lacks the experience needed to deal with one of boxing’s most accomplished fighters.
“Only because of the lack of experience. The lack of experience to go up against a guy like a Terence Bud right now. That’s career suicide,” said Judah.
Instead, Judah said he’d rather see Ennis defend his newly won titles against WBC champion Sebastian Fundora.
“His next fight should be Fundora. I think if he fights Fundora, we get a timber. Down goes the giant,” said Zab.
Judah also favored Ennis against Vergil Ortiz Jr., saying he believes the Philadelphia star would have an easier time with Ortiz than Fundora.
Although he urged Ennis to avoid Crawford for now, Judah understood why the newly crowned champion mentioned his name after the victory. He viewed it as smart promotion rather than a genuine attempt to make the fight.
“That’s just good promotion. He’s promoting the fight. Long as you’re not really saying, ‘Let’s go get Terence Crawford next.’”
Judah also praised Ennis for dismissing suggestions that he was actively pursuing Crawford.
“That’s called clean. That was a good clean comment right there. He says straight up, ‘We’re not looking to call retired fighters out,” said Judah.
Still, Judah warned that Crawford remains the type of fighter who responds when challenged.
“Terence Crawford is one of those guys that if you say my name, I’m pulling up. Terrific skills, terrific hand speed, great fundamentals, great thinking power,” said Judah.
Ennis improved to 36-0 (32 KOs) by stopping Zayas in the seventh round to capture the WBA and WBO junior middleweight titles. While Crawford has repeatedly been mentioned as a potential future opponent, he has maintained that he is retired following his victory over Canelo Alvarez last year in September.
