Stevenson Slams Crawford’s Critics, Bud And Bradley Dismiss Ennis

Shakur Stevenson opened up on Terence Crawford’s recent win over Errol Spence Jr. 

Crawford became the first undisputed welterweight champion of the four-belt era by stopping Spence in the ninth round.

And in the process of doing so, he dropped the ‘Truth’ three times on his way to a comprehensive victory.

In the aftermath of the fight, there were numerous suggestions that Spence did not look himself.

Concerns over making the weight cut at 147, coupled with Spence’s prior car crashes, were reasons mentioned for his poor performance.

But rather than giving Crawford full-hearted credit, Stevenson felt that Crawford’s critics were left reeling by the outcome. 

Shakur On Crawford

 “You say all these bad things about him, and you say he’s not this and he’s not that. He took that as fuel. He let the fuel burn inside of him, and then on that day, he’s going to shine. In his most significant moment, he came through and shined the brightest. I heard so many bad things about me sparring with him.

“Why is he in the ring when Errol is a big guy? Honestly, with my work, I think my work helped him a lot just because of my speed and ring IQ, and I’m able to make him feel a lot more than somebody bigger than him and slower than him. I don’t hear anybody talking. Everybody is mad that Bud Crawford did what he was supposed to do. I’m just happy to be a part of it,” Stevenson

This is the same criticism that Shakur has faced when he moved to 135 pounds. His debut at the weight class was impressive, as he stopped Shuichiro Yoshino in the sixth round. And yet, the perception was that he had not fought anyone of note.

This is despite the fact that Stevenson has called out the big names: Devin Haney, Gervonta Davis and Vasiliy Lomachenko. 

With that being said, Stevenson is all too aware of what it takes to deal with such criticism.

Crawford On Ennis

Meanwhile, Terence Crawford has dismissed the chance of him facing Jaron Ennis. 

Crawford’s victory over Spence. to become the first undisputed welterweight champion of the four-belt era made ‘Boot’s the IBF mandatory for Crawford.

Although that may be the case, Spence has indicated his willingness to have a rematch with Bud. And since both fighters have suggested that this would most likely be at 154, Ennis would be out of the equation.

In addition, Crawford has been named the super ‘WBO’ welterweight champion. As such, if he were to move up to 154, Bud would be the mandatory for Tim Tsyzu, who will become the full champion once Jermell Charlo is stripped following his fight with Canelo Alvarez on September 30th, 2023. 

And in the process, this would map out a route for Crawford to become undisputed at 154. With that being said, Boots would appear out the picture. 

 “That (fight with Ennis) can happen, cuz we at the same weight class, but you know, at this point in time, I’m looking for bigger and better opportunities, like Charlo,” Crawford 

Nevertheless, it is not all bad for Ennis. If Crawford were to move up from 147, then Ennis would be elevated to the position of a full IBF champion.

Therefore, by becoming champion, he would be in the position to call for the biggest fights and become the next superstar of the welterweight division.

Bradley On Crawford-Ennis

Much in the same way, Tim Bradley has dismissed Boots as a credible opponent. The former world champion expanded on how Ennis’ lack of experience would tell in such a fight, as he questioned his current level of opposition.

Not only that, but Bradley advised Ennis to fight tougher competition before even thinking about setting foot in the ring with Crawford. 

“Who the hell has Boots fought?! You can be riding that wave, you’ve been getting these knockouts of all these other different guys, but you’ve never been in the ring with an animal like Crawford.

“He needs to be tested with a legit — he needs to be tested with a guy like Thurman. I wish Shawn Porter was still around. He needs to be tested with a guy like Shawn Porter, a Danny Garcia, you know, veterans, top veterans out there that can punch, guys that can think with him.

“He needs to be tested with guys like that before I say ‘oh yeah, he ready for Crawford,” Bradley 

Regardless of Crawford’s next steps, he has earned the right to pick and choose the fights that he wants. After all, he is a pay-per-view star.

And after having created history by becoming a two-time undisputed champion, no one can take that away from him.