Fans would like to see Terence Crawford and Jaron Ennis in the ring together, but another man wants to hand them both their first defeats.
Crawford is accepted as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world. His exceptional switch-hitting ability and keen eye for a finish has lead him to world titles in four divisions, undisputed in two. ‘Bud’, 37, has wins over the likes of Yuriorkis Gamboa, Viktor Postol, Shawn Porter and Errol Spence Jr.
Whilst ‘Boots’ Ennis doesn’t have the resume his rival can boast, his eye-catching style and penchant for a knockout make him arguably the top welterweight in the world today. The 33-0 fighter from Philly became full IBF World Champion when Crawford moved up to the 154 ranks.
At the first time of asking, Crawford won the WBA Super-Welterweight World Title from Israil Madrimov. Now there are contenders and fellow champions looking for a big-money fight with him, including Ennis, who has made it clear he will also be moving up in weight soon.
One man who could potentially land the fight against Crawford is Vergil Ortiz Jr, but he has been also closely linked with welcoming Ennis to the division. Speaking to Pro Boxing Fans, the knockout artist said he wants both men.
“Honestly, I want them both. I really do. I think those are some great fights to be made and, like I said, I don’t want to fight people cause I have beef with them, I think they’re good fighters. I would like to prove myself and I know the fans want those fights. It kind of makes me that much more motivated and excited to be in those kind of fights.”
As an amateur, Ortiz was a seven-time national champion. He turned professional in 2016 and has since been steadily climbing the rankings, capturing the WBC interim super-welterweight title in August of this year with a controversial points win over Serhii Bohachuk. It was the very first time he went the distance having knocked out every opponent prior. Following some bouts of inactivity due to illness, the aggressive pressure fighter is ready to challenge for top honours.
There’s a chance Ortiz could face ‘Boots’ in February should the latter not manage to make a unification bout at welterweight. As for Crawford, he remains adamant that the only fight he truly wants is a further jump in weight to face Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez.
