Just last week, three-division champion Terence Crawford shared a few words regarding newly-crowned IBF Welterweight Champion Jaron “Boots” Ennis.
On July 29, 2023 at T-Mobile Arena, WBO Welterweight Champion Terence Crawford punished unified welterweight champion Errol Spence Jr. en route to a ninth-round TKO victory. Crawford’s dominant performance secured his spot in the history books as he became the first male boxer to become an undisputed champion in two weight classes.
Less than four months after the most impactful victory of his career, Crawford was stripped of one of his welterweight titles. The International Boxing Federation (IBF) does not recognize Crawford’s contractual obligation to fight Spence Jr. again and therefore requires him to defend his title against Ennis. Opting to meet his contractual obligations, Crawford is reportedly working out a deal to fight Spence Jr. during the first quarter of the new year. As a result, Ennis has been crowned the IBF’s welterweight champion.
“I know it’s not ideal. I know he’s disappointed that he couldn’t win it [by fighting] a champion and whatnot. I know it’s disappointing,” Crawford told Fight Hub TV in Las Vegas, Nevada.
“If I was him, I’d rather fight for it. I’d rather fight the number three guy if I couldn’t get the other guy. Don’t send me a belt in the mail. It just seems like everybody [is] cool with being an email champion now.”
Shortly thereafter, Ennis spoke to YSM Media and challenged Crawford to a fight.
“Come get your belt back if you think you’re the best in the world,” Ennis said.
Despite Ennis’ desire to fight Crawford, it appears the Omaha native is set up for a fight with Spence Jr. However, it’s unclear who Ennis will fight next.
