Terence Crawford remains skeptical about Jaron Ennis’s status as a true elite, citing a specific world champion who could genuinely jeopardize his title reign.
The 29‑year‑old recently captured two‑division unified honors, stopping Xander Zayas in the seventh round to claim the WBO and WBA super‑welterweight belts in New York.
Although the performance was largely dominant, “Boots” did show vulnerability, notably when a third‑round right hand from Zayas troubled him.
Nevertheless, Ennis recovered, pressed the attack, and secured the victory with a third knockdown.
That win has placed him in the conversation for a three‑belt unification clash with either Sebastian Fundora or Josh Kelly, or perhaps a long‑awaited showdown with Vergil Ortiz Jr.
Crawford, however, doubts Ennis would emerge unscathed if he faced Fundora or Ortiz, suggesting the outcome might differ from the Zayas bout.
Speaking on The PorterWay Podcast, the former three‑division undisputed champion framed Ennis’s win over Zayas in context.
“I don’t think anyone picked Xander to win. I like Xander; he’s a great kid, but I believe we’re overhyping Ennis’s victory.
“If Fundora or Ortiz hurt him the way Zayas did, I don’t expect the same result.”
Indeed, Fundora and Ortiz possess more punching power than Zayas, who is known for his footwork and ring intelligence.
At the same time, it’s fair to note that neither the WBC champion nor Ortiz has demonstrated that power against a fighter of Ennis’s caliber.
Crawford had previously backed Fundora to defeat “Boots,” although that assessment predated Ennis’s performance against Zayas.
