While Terence Crawford might desire greater appreciation from Jaron “Boots” Ennis, trainer Greg Hackett believes the Philadelphia boxer has no reason to show reverence as long as Crawford is still physically able to make a ring comeback.
According to Hackett, part of Crawford’s annoyance stems from a lack of the acclaim he believes his achievements warrant. Ennis has consistently refused to treat Bud as someone deserving of reverence, an attitude Hackett views as vital for any prospective challenger.
“In the sport of boxing, I must never reveal my respect for you. Even if it exists, I have to hide it because you’ll turn it into an advantage over me,” Hackett explained during an interview with MillCity Boxing.
“You can’t afford to surrender an inch of advantage. Therefore, if you still appear capable of stepping into the ring to face me, I will not offer the kind of admiration you expect in the manner you demand, because we are both warriors and I won’t submit to you.”
The possibility of Crawford returning to action is central to Hackett’s perspective. Although Crawford has declared his retirement, Hackett is highly skeptical that the 38-year-old fighter is truly done with the sport.
This gives significant weight to Ennis’s past assertion that Crawford would be “easy work.” Hackett is convinced this comment irked Crawford, and he sees no benefit in Boots getting louder just to elicit a response.
“What statement could be more powerful than calling it easy work? He’s a simple matchup. Is there a bigger insult than that? To look at a champion of five divisions, who held all the belts three times over, and call him an easy opponent.”
A segment of boxing enthusiasts wants Ennis to launch a more intense campaign in the media to draw Crawford out of retirement. However, Hackett rejects the notion that Boots should adopt an artificial personality for this purpose.
“People want Boots to behave in a way that isn’t genuine to him. He doesn’t operate like that. He will state his peace and leave it at that.”
Crawford is free to remain in retirement as Ennis pushes forward with his own journey. Should Crawford ultimately opt to lace up the gloves again, Hackett believes it makes no sense for Boots to spend his time applauding a potential future rival.
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Last Updated on 2026/08/08 at 11:31 PM
