Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis Says Terence Crawford’s Jump to 168 Pounds Is Like Being Thrown to the Wolves Against Canelo Alvarez

Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis thinks that the weight jump from 154 to 168 is going to make it difficult for Terence Crawford to be victorious against Canelo Alvarez this Saturday, September 13.

The switch-hitting Ennis has been working with Canelo (63-2-2, 39 KOs) as one of his sparring partners to help him train for his defense of his undisputed super middleweight championship against Crawford (41-0, 31 KOs) at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

The Power ‘Boots’ Witnessed

‘Boots’ has seen firsthand how powerful and talented Canelo is. So, he knows what Crawford, 37, is up against in this fight, jumping up what many believe is three weight classes, not two. That’s drastic.

A Point Man’s Risky Mission

It’s like going straight to the frontlines out of boot camp and being ordered to be the point man in a platoon. That’s putting Crawford straight into the fire, and he’s not young at nearly 38. In video clips of Terence training for Canelo, he appears haggard, with bags under both eyes. If I were to guess Crawford’s age from his appearance, I’d say 40. The year of inactivity, coupled with a brutal training camp, has taken its toll on him.

“That’s a big jump to go from 154 to 168,” said Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis to Fighthype, talking about Bud Crawford coming up two weight classes from junior middleweight to super middleweight to challenge Canelo Alvarez for his four titles at 168.

Crawford had been campaigning at welterweight from 2018 to 2023 before moving up to junior middleweight (154 lbs) for one fight against Israil Madrimov last year on August 3, 2024. Crawford hasn’t fought since. He took a long break after his narrow 12-round unanimous decision win over Madrimov.

Terence could live to regret doing that, because he should have stayed active. Being inactive for the last 13 months could result in a loss of sharpness for Crawford. In contrast, Canelo has stayed active in the previous year, fighting three times against these fighters:

• William Scull: May 3, 2025
• Edgar Berlanga: September 14, 2024
• Jaime Munguia: May 4, 2024.

Crawford’s Chance, Though Slim

“I’m going to say 60-40 Canelo or 70-30. He’s been at the weight and been fighting bigger guys. So, he’s kind of like used to being at the weight. So, I would lean more toward Canelo. But I think Crawford would have a chance, but I would lean more toward Canelo, though,” said ‘Boots’ Ennis.