Terence Crawford’s Camp Is Unconcerned with Canelo’s Sparring Choice, But Is That a Mistake?

Terence Crawford downplayed Canelo Alvarez’s use of Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis as a sparring partner for their September 13th fight, saying he’s “getting all the help he needs. He’s not me.”

BoMac’s Dismissive Attitude

Crawford’s failure to note the value that Canelo (63-2-2, 39 KOs) is getting by the use of the elite-level ‘Boots’ Ennis is a sign that he’s underestimating what he brings to the camp. Ennis, 28, can switch stances, fighting effectively out of the lefty or righty stance, and he punches with power from different angles. He doesn’t depend on using his long reach to win fights or landing potshots.

In an interview on Friday, Crawford’s trainer, Brian ‘BoMac’ McIntyre, took a dismissive attitude when asked about his thoughts on Ennis being brought in as a sparring partner for the undisputed super middleweight champion Alvarez for their 12-round headliner at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.“Boots ain’t no Crawford” and sparring “don’t mean s***,” said BoMac.

Is Crawford’s Camp Spoiled?

Fans on social media are critical of BoMac’s attitude, believing that he’s become spoiled by Crawford’s past successes, and expect this fight to be just like the others. They think BoMac doesn’t understand how big a jump up in competition Canelo is compared to the 41 fighters on Crawford’s record.

The ‘He’s Not Me’ Defense

“He’s not me. As much as a lot of people say we have a lot of similarities and we switch a lot,” said Terence Crawford to the media, reacting to Jaron Ennis being used as a sparring partner for Canelo Alvarez. “He’s not me. He’s trying to get to where I’m at. He’s where he’s at. I’m where I’m at. He’s got a long way to go.”

Canelo’s Switch-Hitting Sparring

Crawford is correct. Ennis isn’t him, and doesn’t fight the way he does. He appears to be more aggressive and doesn’t rely on counter-punching for his offense. Ennis attacks and doesn’t wait for his opponents to throw to counter them. However, ‘Boots’ will provide Canelo with different looks and use his switch-hitting to prepare him.

“It’s nothing different,” said Crawford when asked how it’s been since he started sparring bigger guys to prepare for Canelo. “I’ve been doing this my whole career. I’ve always been sparring bigger fighters my whole career. This is nothing new. This is nothing different.

“Heavyweights, super middleweights, light heavyweights. I’ve been sparring these types of guys my whole career,” said Crawford.

Is Past Sparring Enough?

Terence didn’t mention the names of the bigger fighters he’s sparred with in the past. It makes a difference. If they’re not top-level contenders, it doesn’t mean a lot that he sparred with them. It’s still going to be quite different fighting Canelo compared to the guys he fought in the past at 147, 140, and 135. Crawford’s last showing at 154 against Israil Madrimov on August 3, 2024, wasn’t impressive. He edged Madrimov by a close 12-round unanimous decision.