Terence Crawford remains unconvinced that Jaron Ennis is the real deal, naming a world champion who would pose a genuine threat to his title reign.
The 29-year-old became a two-division unified champion last week, dethroning Xander Zayas with a seventh-round stoppage to claim the WBO and WBA super-welterweight titles in New York.
While it was a largely dominant performance, ‘Boots’ did encounter the odd moment of bother, particularly when he seemed troubled by a third-round right hand.
To his credit, though, the flashy stylist was able to recover and eventually halted his man with a third knockdown.
In doing so, Ennis has now put himself in the conversation for a three-belt unification match with either Sebastian Fundora or Josh Kelly, or perhaps even a long-awaited showdown with Vergil Ortiz Jr.
If he were to face Fundora or Ortiz, however, then Crawford is not so sure ‘Boots’ would be let off the hook the way he was against Zayas.
Sharing his thoughts on The PorterWay Podcast, the former three-division undisputed champion was quick to contextualise the American’s triumph over Zayas.
“I don’t think no one picked Xander to win. I love Xander, and he’s a great kid, but I think we’re overhyping [Ennis’] victory.
“I think it’s going to be different when he comes up against a Fundora or a Vergil because, if one of those guys gets him hurt like Xander did, I don’t think it’s going to be the same outcome.”
Indeed, it must be said that Fundora and Ortiz are bigger punchers than Zayas, who is known more for his footwork and ring IQ.
In that same breath, though, it is fair to add the caveat that neither the WBC champion nor Ortiz has proven their power against a fighter like Ennis.
Crawford has previously backed Fundora to beat ‘Boots’, though that was before his performance against Zayas.
