Terence Crawford has ruled out a fight with Jaron Ennis, claiming Boots rejected two chances to do so.
Ennis was the IBF interim champion who was the mandatory for Crawford’s undisputed title after he beat Errol Spence Jr. Under the IBF rules, the champion must make their first defence against the mandatory. That failed to happen due to Crawford’s rematch clause with Spence. The Truth activated it after the loss, indicating his desire to run things back. So Crawford was stripped of his IBF belt before Ennis was elevated to become the full champion. Ennis’ camp has accused Crawford of avoiding a fight during this period.
Crawford Vs. Ennis
“Bud had opportunities to fight me ( & still do ! ) but you rather them strip you & give me the title instead of me taking it from you cause you don’t wanna fight me that bad. That stunt you pulled see through lol,” Ennis stated
But now Crawford has revealed that Ennis turned down more than one chance to fight him.
“Like I said before @JaronEnnis had two opportunities to fight me. We talking about a kid that’s still fighting in the theater. Make it make sense,” Crawford said
Understandably, Ennis would want a fight with Crawford. It is the chance at a lucrative payday and to face the best of his era. Crawford also admitted that making 147 was tough for him, and at 36, Bud is not getting any younger.
Since he has become the first undisputed welterweight champion of the four-belt era, Crawford’s motivation may not be what it once was. These are all factors that Ennis will no doubt be counting on, as he was still adamant about making the fight.
“You send it, I’ll sign it @terencecrawford,” Ennis stated
Ennis’ Options
Crawford’s next focus is on the Spence fight, leaving Ennis to explore other options. He has put himself in a leading position to take all the belts if Crawford vacates and moves up to 154 pounds. Mario Barrios is the current WBC interim welterweight champion, which is a fight that appeals to Ennis’ camp.
They have spoken about Barrios’ credentials following his win over Yordenis Ugas in his last fight. If that fight plays out, then the Crawford bout seems much more distant as Bud wants to become a three-weight undisputed champion. Regardless, Crawford hit out at those criticising him, making it clear he has never turned down a fight.
“Hate it or love it I’m just that guy. Anytime a fighter opens they mouth my name in it, so what does that tell you? I wish I could fight more than 1 time a year, but these guys been running and hiding for years. Boxing nothing like it used to me (be) when everyone fought each other…I live in the gym. But my whole career these fighters been running behind people saying I’m on the wrong side of the street, call this guy call that guy! Make it make sense,” Crawford stated
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