Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn is optimistic about the possibility of arranging a fight between Terence Crawford and Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis. Hearn acknowledges the challenge that Crawford, an undefeated champion, might demand a significant sum for such a risky fight against Ennis. However, he believes that His Excellency Turki Alalshikh could play a crucial role in making this match a reality.
Before Ennis can secure a fight with Crawford, Hearn emphasizes the importance of him establishing himself as the undisputed champion at welterweight. In Hearn’s view, Ennis has become the most sought-after fighter in the 147-lb division, capturing the attention of other champions such as Eimantis Stanionis and Mario Barrios.
Challenges in Securing the Fight
Assessing the financial aspect of the fight, Hearn mentions that Crawford’s price tag for the bout would be substantial due to the risks involved. Additionally, the potential for a lucrative fight between Crawford and Canelo Alvarez in the super middleweight division could delay any agreement with Ennis. Ennis may have to wait for Crawford to make a decision after his impending fight with Alvarez.
Hearn believes that Ennis’s path to stardom lies in seizing opportunities against fighters like Stanionis and Barrios, who may be open to facing him if the financial terms are favorable. Despite their current titles, Stanionis and Barrios might not possess the star power to attract significant paydays without challenging Ennis.
In order to build anticipation for a potential showdown between Crawford and Ennis, Hearn emphasizes the significance of generating buzz around Ennis’s performances. While victories over opponents like Crowley, Barrios, and Stanionis are essential, Hearn suggests that Ennis may need to pursue fights against notable names like Haney, Garcia, Tszyu, Lubin, and Fundora to elevate his status in the boxing world.
Hearn underscores the necessity of filling arenas and captivating audiences to create a compelling narrative around a Crawford-Ennis matchup. By showcasing Ennis’s skills and potential against top-tier competition, Hearn believes that the fight could evolve into one of the most significant events in boxing.
Highlighting the role of His Excellency Alalshikh, Hearn stresses the importance of fan engagement in influencing the decision-making process for potential fights. He mentions the need for Ennis to continue delivering impressive performances to pique the interest of fans and stakeholders, including Alalshikh, who closely follows the sport of boxing.
While the fight between Crawford and Ennis remains a work in progress, Hearn’s optimism and strategic approach suggest that the boxing world could witness a compelling matchup in the near future. As Ennis navigates his journey towards stardom, the evolving landscape of the welterweight division could pave the way for an exciting chapter in his career.