Undefeated IBF welterweight champion Jaron ‘Boots Ennis’ is hopeful of establishing himself as a pound-for-pound contender in the coming years but a win over unified super-welterweight champion Terence Crawford would fast track him to his goal. However, Ennis has shared his frustration regarding the potential fight with ‘Bud’.
Ennis was upgraded to full IBF world champion when Crawford was stripped of the title last November ahead of his eventual move up to the 154lb division.
Yet, ‘Boots’ was able to prove that he was worthy of the world champion mantle when he returned home for a first defence of the belt against David Avanesyan in Philadelphia – dazzling under the lights to deliver a fifth-round stoppage in front of a sold-out crowd.
The 27-year-old is now seen as the superstar that he has always dreamt of being, particularly in his hometown, but despite 32 wins to his name – he still lacks the necessary breakthrough win to become recognised as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the sport.
As far as opponents go, the only contests in the welterweight division that would boost his claim to the pound-for-pound throne would be his fellow champions ahead of an undisputed title run.
Although, rumours of a showdown with Crawford up at super-welterweight have been mentioned since the veteran moved up and there is every chance that the all-American clash could happen before the ageing multi-divisional undisputed champion decides to hang up the gloves.
In an interview with Ariel Helwani, Ennis admitted that he is ‘tired’ of discussing the fight against Crawford, before revealing that he hopes to become the pound-for-pound king within a couple of fights.
Helwani – “True or false, by the time it is said and done… you will fight Terence Crawford.”
Ennis – “Hopefully it’s true. Like I said… I’ve been asking for that fight and I’m tired of answering those same questions. Y’all go ask him! I said yes [to fighting him] plenty of times, I am tired of answering.”
Ennis – “I want to fight everybody, I want to show the world that I am the best fighter in the world.”
Ennis – “[I am] maybe one or two fights [from being the pound-for-pound king].”
Jaron Ennis will rematch mandatory challenger Karen Chukhadzhian next Saturday in a second defence of his world title but his aim of being the pound-for-pound number one after the fight that follows would only be realistic if he believesthat ‘Bud’ is next in line.
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