Terence Crawford communicated to reporters today that Canelo Alvarez’s selection of Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis as a sparring partner for their scheduled September 13th match signifies that he is regarding him with “seriousness.”
Crawford suggests that if he were insignificant in stature and had lacked substantial opponents, Canelo (63-2-2, 39 KOs) would not exert such effort in enlisting Ennis, the prior WBA and IBF welterweight titleholder, for sparring purposes.
Canelo is set to defend his undisputed super middleweight title against Crawford (41-0, 31 KOs), aged 37, who will ascend from 154 pounds following a solitary contest in that category to inaugurate his presence at 168 pounds. The venue for the event is the Allegiant Stadium situated in Las Vegas. Netflix will serve as the broadcasting medium for the event.
Crawford’s Self-Assurance Is Intensifying
“What remains to be discussed? You are facing the paramount fighter globally. It is advisable to approach it with gravity,” Terence Crawford expressed to the media when queried about his reflections on Canelo Alvarez utilizing middleweight contender Yoenli Hernandez and Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis as sparring collaborators in anticipation of their September 13th encounter.
Crawford’s most recent match against Israil Madrimov implied he’s not “the best fighter in the world” on August 3, 2024. He barely prevailed in a 12-round unanimous decision against Madrimov with scores of 115-113, 116-112, and 115-113. Observers suggest there are superior combatants at 154 pounds compared to Madrimov. Vergil Ortiz Jr. secured a more definitive victory over him earlier this year on February 22nd in Riyadh.
“This underscores the extent of his seriousness regarding me and the degree of respect he holds for me. Had I not engaged with worthy adversaries, were I undersized, should I embody all the attributes the media ascribes to me, he would not necessitate the support of these individuals to aid his preparation against me. He would not require the extensive assistance he is presently receiving,” Crawford stated, commenting on Canelo’s engagement of Ennis and Hernandez as sparring partners.
Strategic Maneuver by Alvarez
Given Canelo’s confrontation with a physically smaller opponent possessing adaptable stances, he needed to identify smaller fighters distinct from the typical super middleweights he commonly faces. Hence, the rational choices were Ennis, the former unified two-belt welterweight champion, and Hernandez, a middleweight competitor. Both exhibit ambidextrous capabilities and fluidly switch stances. This characteristic aligns with Canelo’s requirements. He did not seek aid from super middleweights for sparring purposes. Alvarez’s selections are rooted in necessity rather than reverence for Crawford.
“I am gratified that he is procuring all the requisite support, for post-September 13th, excuses will be untenable,” Crawford remarked.
Terence omits the likelihood of his defeat. Such a scenario remains plausible. Should Canelo emerge victorious, one hopes that neither Crawford nor his trainer, Brian ‘BoMac’ McIntyre, resorts to rationalizations. Crawford has remained silent regarding the identity of his sparring partners for this bout. Canelo has openly shared information regarding his training associates, even choosing to be photographed alongside Hernandez and Boots Ennis.
A Favorable Outcome for Crawford
Crawford faces a no-lose scenario, securing a substantial financial reward, reportedly $50 million, for this contest. Should he suffer a loss, enthusiasts may offer leniency considering his two-weight class ascension from 154 to 168 pounds to challenge Canelo for his undisputed super middleweight championship.
This situation presents optimal conditions for Crawford. Naturally, he would remain displeased at enduring his inaugural defeat. However, indications of his vulnerability were evident in his preceding encounter with Israil Madrimov on August 3, 2024. Although he won that contest through a 12-round unanimous decision, it was a closely contested affair, leading many observers to opine that Madrimov warranted the victory. Crawford has maintained inactivity for the past year following that match.
