Enthusiasts showed excitement when Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis shared a picture showing himself and Canelo Alvarez within the boxing ring after a training session, in preparation for Canelo’s highly anticipated contest against Terence Crawford scheduled for September 13th at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
Canelo’s Covert Advantage
Canelo (63-2-2, 39 KOs) is utilizing the 28-year-old former two-time welterweight champion Ennis (34-0, 30 KOs) as part of his strategy for the upcoming defense of his undisputed super middleweight championship in 21 days, airing on Netflix.
The training Alvarez is receiving with Ennis as a sparring partner surpasses the challenges he will likely encounter against Crawford (41-0, 31 KOs), who is around 38 years old. Based on the recent showings from Crawford and ‘Boots’ Ennis, Ennis seems to be competing at a superior level compared to Bud.
“This is poised to be the most demanding fight, and the most skilled competitor that Bud will have encountered in the ring,” stated former light heavyweight champion Antonio Tarver to Boxing News, referring to Terence Crawford’s situation in his upcoming match against Canelo Alvarez on September 13th.
— Boots (@JaronEnnis) August 23, 2025
In the eyes of many, Crawford is the “best fighter” Canelo has faced. Considering the past, Israil Madrimov presented Crawford with his toughest challenge yet, nearly defeating him on August 3, 2024.
The Genuine GOAT Discussion
“It could be argued that this represents the most formidable adversary Canelo has ever faced in the ring. We shall discern the reality on September 13th,” remarked Tarver.
Crawford isn’t the top fighter Canelo has battled. Even if Terence triumphs on September 13th, observers will still hold these fighters in higher regard:
- Dmitry Bivol
- Gennadiy Golovkin
- Floyd Mayweather Jr.
- Erislandy Lara
“If Canelo’s fight with Crawford concludes badly, boxing will persist, as there will arise another Canelo, another Mayweather, another Ali; a successor will emerge,” commented Hall of Fame boxer, Tim Bradley, reassuring fans who fear Canelo may retire if he loses to Crawford.
“Canelo means little. He isn’t boxing’s savior. Jake Paul is.”
Many fans would be extremely disappointed if Canelo were to be defeated by Crawford and subsequently retire. There isn’t a suitable successor in the 154, 160, or 168 weight classes to assume Canelo’s role as the Face of Boxing.
Some fans worry that Alvarez might suddenly retire if Crawford were to defeat him similarly to how he defeated Errol Spence Jr. in 2023. Errol hasn’t fought since that loss, and the same fate could befall Canelo if he is knocked out by Bud.
