Crawford’s Coach Demands Real Tests
Terence Crawford’s coach, Bernie Davis, has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with the career trajectory of Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis (34-0, 30 KOs). In an interview with MillCity Boxing, Davis expressed his frustration over Ennis’s lack of challenging opponents, despite having an extensive professional record. “We’re talking about a guy that has got 30 fights, not two fights. When are we going to take the training wheels off of him?” Davis questioned. This sentiment is not fueled by personal dislike but by a genuine desire to see Ennis prove himself against top-tier competition. Davis’s comments reflect a broader concern in the boxing community about the quality of opponents faced by promising fighters early in their careers.
Ennis vs. Crawford: A Comparative Analysis
Comparing Ennis’s resume to that of Crawford’s at the same age, one finds striking similarities. At 28, Ennis boasts an impressive list of victories, including bouts against Eimantas Stanionis, Karen Chukhadzhian, Roiman Villa, David Avanesyan, and Sergiy Lipinets. These opponents, while formidable, were not at the peak of their careers when they faced Ennis. Similarly, Crawford’s early career included fights against notable boxers like Yuriorkis Gamboa, Ray Beltran, Ricky Burns, Thomas Dulorme, and Briedis Prescott. However, these fighters were past their prime when they encountered Crawford, allowing him to pad his record without facing the full force of their abilities. The parallel between the two fighters’ early careers highlights a common pattern in boxing: the strategic selection of opponents to minimize risk and maximize win records.
The Turning Point in Crawford’s Career
It wasn’t until Crawford turned 29 that he faced his first significant test in the form of Viktor Postol in 2016. This fight marked a pivotal moment in Crawford’s career, as it was his first encounter with a fighter who, while not in the absolute elite, posed a substantial challenge. Despite this, many argue that Postol was not an elite-level opponent and that none of the fighters Crawford faced in his 30s could be considered as such. The closest Crawford has come to facing elite opposition is Israil Madrimov, a fight that many believe he should have lost on May 3, 2024. This dissection of Crawford’s career underscores the importance of facing top-level competition to truly gauge a fighter’s potential.
The Upcoming Ennis-Ortiz Fight
Ennis is slated to fight Vergil Ortiz Jr. in early 2026, a bout that will significantly bolster his resume if it comes to fruition. At 28, Ennis will still be in his prime, and this fight against Ortiz, a highly regarded prospect, could be a defining moment in his career. If Ennis emerges victorious, it will silence his critics and solidify his standing as a top contender in the sport. This fight promises to be a litmus test for Ennis’s capabilities and a long-awaited step up in competition that many, including Bernie Davis, have been calling for.
The Role of Coaches and Critics in Shaping Fighter Careers
The role of coaches and critics in shaping a fighter’s career cannot be overstated. Bernie Davis’s outspoken criticism of Ennis’s career choices reflects the high standards and expectations within the boxing community. Coaches like Davis play a crucial role in pushing fighters to their limits and ensuring they are prepared for the highest levels of competition. Critics, while often harsh, serve to keep fighters and their teams accountable and to maintain the integrity of the sport. The ongoing dialogue between coaches, critics, and fighters is essential for the growth and development of boxing as a whole.
Nation Vegas: A Respected Voice in the Boxing Community
Nation Vegas, a featured writer with Boxing News 24, has been covering the fight game since 2012. Known for his comprehensive coverage of both major events and rising prospects, Nation has built a reputation for delivering insightful news, fight reports, and features that resonate with boxing fans worldwide. With over a decade of experience, he combines sharp analysis with an accessible writing style, making his work a reliable source for readers who want to stay informed about the sport from every angle. Nation’s consistent and passionate approach to boxing has established him as a respected voice in the community, contributing valuable perspectives on fighters like Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis and Terence Crawford.
