Terence Crawford’s latest criticism of Jaron “Boots” Ennis creates a glaring conflict in the narrative. If Crawford launched the public dispute by tearing apart Ennis’ performance against Xander Zayas, why is he now portraying the unified junior middleweight champion as the bitter party?
Crawford spent weeks criticizing Ennis’ June 27 stoppage victory over Zayas. He claimed the performance was overhyped because almost nobody gave Zayas a realistic chance. He also pointed to the moment Ennis was hurt in the third round, stating fighters such as Sebastian Fundora or Vergil Ortiz Jr. would have produced a different outcome after landing the same shot.
“I think we are overhyping this victory. In a sense where, nobody picked Xander to win, everybody was thinking of like, ‘Okay, he’s in over his head and it’s only a matter of time before Boots catch him’ and end the fight,” Crawford said to The Real Report with Tony Yayo and Uncle Murda
“I think it’s going to be different when he goes up against a Fundora or a Vergil because if one of those guys gets him hurt like Xander did, I don’t think it’s going to be the same outcome.”
Ennis dismissed the remarks and stated he was focused on active fighters rather than former champions. Crawford responded by labeling Ennis a hater. Crawford also claimed the champion’s rise has been built on comparisons to him.
The sequence makes Crawford’s latest remarks difficult to take at face value. He questioned Ennis’ standing after the Zayas fight, then later portrayed Ennis as the envious party despite opening the public criticism himself.
Ryan Garcia appeared to notice the disconnect. He urged Crawford to enter the ring instead of continuing the exchange through media rounds. Crawford has spent the past month questioning Ennis’ abilities. If he truly believes Ennis is living off comparisons to him, stepping back into the squared circle would settle the matter far more convincingly than another sit-down interview.
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Last Updated on 2026/07/27 at 6:30 PM
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