According to boxing analyst Stephen Edwards, Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis is currently the superior competitor in both the 154 and 160-pound weight classes. He argues that Ennis possesses “excessive velocity and expertise” for the current titleholders in those categories.
Edwards points out that Ennis (35-0, 31 KOs) still must solidify his status as the best, but he believes he would be favored in matches against any opponent. Now, the decision rests with ‘Boots’ and his promoter, Eddie Hearn, regarding whether to concentrate on the 154-pound division or ascend to 160 pounds, aiming to secure a bout with Terence Crawford before his retirement.
Edwards Declares Ennis the Top 154 Fighter
“In my opinion, he’s the top competitor at 154,” boxing analyst Stephen Edwards told YSM Sports Media about Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis. “He experienced difficulties making 147. An additional seven pounds allows for more carbohydrates, energy, muscles, and fluids.”
Vergil Ortiz Jr. and Sebastian Fundora are the only fighters at 154 that Ennis would need to be particularly wary of. He possesses too much agility and skill for the champions, Xander Zayas and Bakhram Murtazaliev. These individuals represent the most vulnerable opponents. Bakhram would likely be considered a stronger competitor than Zayas, due to his power and background in amateur boxing.
“I simply believed he appeared exceptional at 154. Naturally, one cannot receive acclaim for something not yet accomplished, but I believe he would be favored against any opponent at 154 if one understands the sport,” said Edwards regarding ‘Boots’ Ennis.
“Indeed, he would,” stated Edwards when it was suggested that Ennis would be the favorite against any fighter at 160. “If one examines the three champions at 160, he would be favored against each of them. Janibek would be the closest in terms of predicted odds.”
Reasons Why Ennis Should Bypass 154 Altogether
Edwards’ assessment is accurate. ‘Boots’ would be the frontrunner against all middleweight fighters if he transitioned to 160 immediately, rather than dedicating time to the 154-pound division in pursuit of world titles. If Ennis harbors the ambition to venture beyond his comfort zone to achieve a more significant accomplishment, he should move to 160 without delay.
It is debatable whether the current middleweight champions possess greater recognition than these 154-pound contenders:
- Vergil Ortiz Jr.
- Sebastian Fundora
- Keith Thurman
- Erickson Lubin
- Xander Zayas
Pursuing Crawford Before Time Runs Out
If Ennis transitioned to 160 promptly, he would enhance his prospects of securing a fight against Terence Crawford before his retirement. ‘Boots’ cannot afford to postpone the fight until he has acquired two or three titles at 154, as his promoter Eddie Hearn desires in order to build anticipation for the Crawford match.
The process of Ennis securing those titles would be lengthy, and Crawford is currently 38 years old. He has already declined a fight against David Benavidez, and the reasoning is understandable. He recognizes that he would likely be defeated.
In a year or two, Crawford may harbor similar sentiments regarding ‘Boots’, and he will be unwilling to jeopardize his legacy as one of the greatest boxers of all time. He is fixated on achieving a place on the Mount Rushmore of boxing, which would be unattainable if he were to fight Ennis in a year or more.
Jeepers Isaac has been reporting on boxing since 2020, delivering to readers insightful ringside commentary and well-timed analysis of the sport’s key events.
