Andre Dirrell says he believes Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis’s purpose behind helping Canelo Alvarez with sparring is to gain revenge against Terence Crawford for not fighting him in 2024.
Dirrell overlooks the financial aspect of the former IBF and WBA welterweight champion Ennis, likely being paid well by Canelo. Beyond money, the experience that Ennis, 28, is getting working with the legend Canelo (63-2-2, 39 KOs) will help his still young career.
Alvarez is defending his undisputed super middleweight championship against Crawford (41-0, 31 KOs) on September 13th on Netflix at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. With the switch-hitting Crawford moving up two weight classes from 154, Canelo needed a fighter from that division that could fight from righty or lefty. Ennis and middleweight Yoenli Hernandez are two fighters that Canelo picked out that fit those categories.
Dirrell’s ‘Get-Back’ Theory
“‘Boots’ in camp with Canelo. I do believe this is get-back on Crawford for not taking a fight with ‘Boots’ in 2024 when ‘Boots’ called him out,” said Andre Dirrell to MillCityLive, talking about Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis working with Canelo Alvarez to prepare him for the switch-hitting Terence Crawford.
The Financial Incentive
Dirrell appears to be under the impression that Ennis chose to work with Canelo as a form of “get back” at Crawford for his choosing not to fight him in 2024. He’s overlooking the possibility of Canelo asking ‘Boots’ to work with him and offering him a lot of money to do so. With Canelo’s popularity and his immense $300 million fortune, Ennis wouldn’t say no if he were offered to work with the superstar.
“Crawford was on bigger and better things. Those bigger and better things are Canelo Alvarez on September 13th, 2025. A bigger legacy, a bigger name, a bigger payday, and bigger status,” said Dirrell about why Crawford picked Canelo over Ennis.
Monetarily, Crawford has made the right move picking Canelo to fight. It’s a much bigger fight for Terence than if he were to face ‘Boots’ Ennis. Whether the contest improves Crawford’s legacy and status will be determined by how he performs against Alvarez. If he gets blown out by Canelo, it won’t be a value-add for his legacy, but he’ll at least have the big payday, which is reportedly estimated at $50 million. A victory for Crawford will give his legacy a big boost.
Training with a Legend
“So, too little too late, ‘Boots.’ But I’m looking forward to how you advance after this because this camp is definitely going to level you up,” said Dirrell. “You’re going to get better in every aspect – toughness, skill set, and smarts. And I’m looking forward to what you do because of it. You’re already a bad man. I want to see where you take it from here.”
Sparring with Canelo will improve Ennis, providing him with valuable experience to raise his game for the top 154-pounders. ‘Boots’ Ennis’ promoter, Eddie Hearn, is targeting a fight with WBC interim junior middleweight champion Vergil Ortiz Jr. for January or February 2026. If Ennis is victorious, the next logical move will be to challenge Sebastian Fundora for his WBC 154-lb title.
“Crawford, it’s over. I believe he walks away in the sunset, especially if he walks away with a victory. But you, champ [Ennis]. You’re going to have to settle for something else. Give Canelo that work, man. He’s going to need it. According to Roy Jones, Canelo has got to be on his A-game,” said Dirrell.
Crawford’s Big Payday
If Crawford defeats Canelo, it’s possible that he’ll be offered a rematch for an even bigger payday than the one he’s getting for the September 13th fight. Turki Alalshikh may choose to set up an immediate second fight, which Terence would find tempting.
It doesn’t have to be the end for Crawford if he loses to Canelo. Turki will surely offer him other fights against popular fighters, like Ennis, Vergil Ortiz Jr, Sebastian Fundora, Dmitry Bivol, or David Benavidez. There will be a lot of well-paying options for Crawford in defeat or victory.
“You’ve got to be on yours, too, man. I’m looking forward to what you do after this. But ‘Boots,’ get somebody else, champ,” said Dirrell.
Last Updated on 08/30/2025
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