Canelo Brings in World Champion Sparring Partner to Solve the Terence Crawford Puzzle

Undefeated welterweight champion Jaron "Boots" Ennis has joined forces with undisputed super middleweight king Saul "Canelo" Alvarez as a key sparring partner ahead of his September 13 superfight against Terence "Bud" Crawford.

Their partnership was revealed when Ennis posted a photo on X (formerly Twitter) of himself standing alongside the Mexican icon after a sparring session, which had boxing fans praise “Canelo’s” preparation for the crafty switch-hitting Crawford.

Ennis, who recently vacated his unified welterweight titles to move up to super-welterweight, might be the closest simulation to Crawford that Alvarez could find in preparation for the September showdown.

“Boots” has the rare ability to switch stances in the ring, mirroring Crawford's own unique ambidextrous style. This type of fighting style will be invaluable experience for “Canelo,” who will face unorthodox angles and stances that Crawford will likely employ during their clash in September.

In an interview with boxing insider Kayla Rivera over a year ago, Ennis mentioned that he studied Crawford extensively. He declared that he knows how to defeat “Bud” at his own game.

“Whatever he thinks he can do, I can do better,” Ennis said with confidence. “You've got to outthink him, out-point him, and outsmart him. Walk to him a little bit. Touch him, keep touching him, touch that body, and that’s how you get him.” 

This detailed breakdown of the Crawford puzzle suggests Ennis offers Alvarez not just physical imitation, but even some strategic insight that could prove crucial come fight night.

In his prediction of the fight, “Boots” told FightHubTV that he leans towards a “Canelo” victory, mostly due to the size advantage. 

The September 13 showdown will test whether Alvarez's preparation with “Boots” will be enough to counter Crawford's exceptional skills and preserve the Mexican champion's dominance at super middleweight, or if Crawford can spoil the party and make an unprecedented two-weight-division leap to take out one of the most legendary boxers competing today.