Terence Crawford: I'm 10 steps ahead of Boots Ennis in smarts

Terence Crawford says he is several levels above Boots Ennis in ring intelligence, though the retired welterweight champion has no intention of coming back to demonstrate it.

Crawford made waves after Ennis stopped Xander Zayas over the weekend, posting what many read as a veiled critique of the performance. When pressed on the comparison, Crawford was explicit about where he stands, according to Bad Left Hook. He acknowledged Ennis as a serious threat to anyone in the division but drew a sharp line between talent and fight IQ.

Crawford breaks down what separates him from Ennis

"To credit Boots, he's a tremendous talent and he's no walk in the park for no one," Crawford said, per the report. "He got tremendous speed, he got great power, defense, reflexes, all that. But the only thing that I can say is, I'm 10 steps ahead of him in smarts."

Crawford pointed to specific advantages he would carry into a hypothetical matchup. He said he punches harder than Zayas, moves faster, and capitalizes on openings that Zayas created but could not finish. Crawford called himself one of the best counterpunchers ever and said Ennis would struggle against that style if he came forward or tried to trade.

The 39-year-old stressed he has no interest in returning to settle the debate. He compared the situation to fans pitting him against Floyd Mayweather, another fight that will never happen. Crawford said Ennis is entering his prime and wished him success.

Ennis holds the IBF welterweight title and is widely considered one of the division's most dangerous fighters. No rematch or superfight with Crawford is scheduled.

Reported via:

• Bad Left Hook — ‘I’m 10 steps ahead of him’: Terence Crawford credits Boots Ennis, but says he’s the better fighter