The recent exchange between Terence Crawford and Jaron “Boots” Ennis was arguably the standout moment from the latest TNT and DAZN boxing broadcast. Crawford took to social media on Wednesday to launch Round 2 of their verbal sparring, hinting that he might return from retirement to face Ennis, the unified super welterweight champion. He even challenged Ennis to confirm whether he would accept the fight next.
Ennis replied affirmatively, only for Crawford to reveal that his offer was a ruse designed to test if Ennis was actually avoiding a bout with Vergil Ortiz Jr. This tactic did not sit well with many boxing fans.
Looking ahead to 2026, boxing fans have already been let down by the cancellation of a highly anticipated matchup involving Ennis. After Ortiz’s impressive knockout victory over Erickson Lubin last November, the prospect of two top American fighters clashing seemed certain. However, drawn-out negotiations and legal disputes ultimately sank the fight.
Ortiz remains sidelined and without a confirmed opponent, while Ennis secured a knockout win over Xander Zayas in June to become a two-division world champion. Ennis is now preparing for a three-belt unification showdown with IBF champ Josh Kelly as he aims for undisputed champion status in 2027.
Many wonder why Ennis is not immediately revisiting a fight against Ortiz, but he explained on TNT’s Saturday broadcast that achieving undisputed status is his main goal. That said, “Boots” hinted he might consider stepping off that path if Crawford decides to come out of retirement for a high-profile legacy bout.
Fan Take: This back-and-forth highlights the ongoing drama that keeps boxing fans engaged beyond the ring, reminding us that fight negotiations can be as intense as the matches themselves. If Crawford truly returns, it could spark one of the biggest legacy clashes in recent history, potentially reshaping the sport’s landscape and inspiring a new wave of compelling rivalries.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
