Roy Jones Jr. Makes His Case for Why 36-YO Terence Crawford Should Not Fight Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis Amidst Errol Spence Jr. Rematch Hiatus

“Come get your belt back if you think you’re the best in the world.” Ever since Jaron Ennis was practically gifted the IBF welterweight title, he’s felt he has a point to prove. Something that’ll prove the 26-year-old deserved to be where he is. And what’s the best way to do that? Fight the person he took the title from. Terence Crawford. While that’s what ‘Boots’ Ennis is chasing, would a title fight be what’s best for ‘Bud’ Crawford? Well, Roy Jones Jr. gave his two cents on the potential matchup.

In July 2023, Terence Crawford defeated Errol Spence Jr. and fast-tracked his way to the pound-for-pound list, unifying the division. Activating his rematch clause, Spence Jr. underwent cataract surgery earlier this month. It pushed their potential February rematch back, leaving everyone wondering who ‘Bud’ would fight next. While appearing in an interview with Fight Hype, Jones Jr. explained why ‘Boots’ Ennis shouldn’t be Crawford’s next opponent.

Terence Crawford would have everything to lose against Jaron Ennis

When probed about his thoughts on a possible fight between 31-0 Jaron Ennis and the former undisputed champion Crawford, Jones Jr. explained how it’s a situation of Ennis having nothing to lose (apart from the IBF title) and Crawford having everything to lose. “If you beat them, people [will] say, ‘Well, you’re [36]. You’ve been up for so long; you should have beat him.’ But if he beats you, they’re going to get an upset,” Jones opined. 

Ennis is a young gun, all of 26 years of age. He hasn’t quite made his mark in the boxing world yet, but Crawford undoubtedly has. Even though ‘Bud’ would be a heavy favorite in that matchup, the 36-year-old won’t have anything to gain. At this point in his career—having established himself as an all-time great—he’d be wise to pick fights that would continue to bring him generational wealth. So, who could a possible opponent be?

Per Jones, “You’re [36] years old. You’ve proved yourself over and over again. Here’s another guy (Errol Spence Jr.) who’s close to your age, who’s also trying to improve this over and over again. So, you two fighting is a good fight.” The good thing is Terence Crawford believes so himself, too! In fact, he’s looking forward to that rematch with Spence.

As reported by Forbes, the Omaha native discussed his potential fights. “Jaron is in one place, and I’m in another. I’m looking for mega fights right now, and right now, that’s not a mega fight. I’m looking to fight guys like Canelo Alvarez. That’s pretty much it, man, and a rematch with Spence, and that’s it.” However, it’s worth mentioning that ‘Boots’ Ennis, Spence Jr., and Alvarez aren’t the only opponents being considered for ‘Bud’ Crawford.

Watch This Story | Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford Beef

Crawford’s trainer names a better opponent than Ennis and Spence Jr.

Bernie Davis, Crawford’s trainer, appeared in an interview with Mill City Boxing and shed light on an Australian boxer. “I think Tszyu will be the right one since we can’t get (Errol) Spence,” said Davis. Tim Tszyu currently holds the WBO super welterweight title and is geared to face Erickson Lubin next, but a fight against ‘Bud’ next seems great to Davis.

“Even though ‘Boots’ is an attractive option, I think Tszyu just edges him a little bit,” said Davis. Tszysu is coming off the back of great victories over Tony Harrison, Carlos Ocampo, and Brian Mendoza, something Davis highlighted in the interview. “I think Tszyu has fought the better competition. He’s been looking more spectacular in his fights, and he got the country behind him,” said Davis.

With Spence Jr.’s cataract surgery, Crawford is now open to take on new undefeated opponents. However, there hasn’t been an official announcement for his next fight. Who do you think ‘Bud’ should fight? Let us know in the comments below!

Read More: Mutual Well-Wisher Requests Terence Crawford and Errol Spence Jr. To Go Their “Separate Ways” for This Reason