Crawford Reacts To Ennis’ Win Over Chukhadzhian – ‘Keep Working’
Terence Crawford reacted to Jaron Ennis’ win against Karen Chukhadzhian.
Ennis made the second successful defense of his IBF Welterweight Title by beating his opponent in a unanimous decision. It was the repeat result of their clash last year, as Ennis failed to stop his opponent for the second time. Boots’ performance received a mixed response from the fans on social media. There was a perception that he was struggling to make 147 pounds, and he confirmed after the fight that he could move up to 154 pounds. Eddie Hearn recently revealed that talks are already underway for a fight with Ortiz.
Ennis’ Perception
Meanwhile, others questioned Ennis’ skills. He was repeatedly hit as his defensive game was exposed. He had been previously linked with a fight against Crawford when he was his IBF mandatory at 147. However, Crawford was stripped after he chose to focus on getting the Errol Spence Jr. rematch. The Spence rematch never happened, as Crawford would move up to 154 pounds. Boots was then elevated from his interim status to a full champion. There have always been question marks over Ennis’ star power. He never won the title outright by beating a champion.
He also does not have a big-name win on his resume, suggesting he is not facing the best. Ennis has also struggled to make unification fights at 147 pounds. Bouts against Mario Barrios, Brian Norman Jr. and Eimantas Stanionis failed to get made. But if Ennis does move up to 154 pounds, there is a chance he could cross paths with Crawford. Crawford is the WBA Junior Middleweight Champion after having beaten Israil Madrimov in his first fight at the weight class to pick up the belt.
Crawford Reacts
While Crawford has been chasing a fight with Canelo Alvarez at 168 pounds, that fight does not look any closer to getting made. And since Crawford wants the biggest fights, Ennis could be one of those names. But if Ennis has a reasonable chance of beating Crawford, he would have to improve his game. Crawford recognized that fighters must stay on top of things to reach the elite level. And that is something Ennis recognized, as he admitted it was not his best performance.
“I did[n’t] see the fight, but I heard about it. Stay focused and keep working on your craft. Every nights not going to be the same. Never get too comfortable in this game, if you trying to get to the mecca of the sport. Stay on your mission because all it takes is 1 slip up,” Crawford said
“My performance was ok, I don’t know man, I think it might be time to move up to 154lbs. I felt good but I just feel like at 154lbs I’ll be way better and my pop will be like it is supposed to be. I’m older now, I’m 27, I’ll be 28 next year… I wanted to be better than last time and I wanted that knockout. “I hurt him a lot of times and I was rushing but it’s ok,” Ennis stated
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