Jaron “Boots” Ennis is one of boxing’s most exciting young talents. His combination of speed, power, and natural athleticism has led many to believe that he’s the future of the welterweight division—and possibly the next big star in the sport. But lately, there’s been some doubt about whether he’s truly ready to face someone at the level of Terence “Bud” Crawford, one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world. So, the question must be asked: Is Boots ready for Crawford?

The Talent is There, But Something’s Off

Let’s not get it twisted—Boots has all the tools. When he’s at his best, he has the kind of fluid movement and explosive power that remind you of fighters like Roy Jones Jr. or even Sugar Ray Leonard. He’s got the speed, the instincts, and the ring IQ that make him a dangerous opponent for anyone. However, something about his recent performances has made me question whether he’s as close to being ready for Crawford as we once thought.

In his recent fights, particularly against David Avanesyan, Boots did what he had to do. He got the win, but he didn’t look as sharp as we’ve seen him in the past. In fact, some of the slickness, the energy, and the defensive discipline we saw from him earlier in his career seemed to be missing. What I suspect is happening is that the weight cut to 147 pounds is really taking a toll on him. It’s clear that Boots has outgrown the welterweight division, and the weight drain is showing.

Is 147 Too Much for Boots?

The rehydration clause in the IBF championship contract, which limits how much weight a fighter can gain after weigh-ins, has been a point of contention. Boots can’t fully rehydrate to his natural weight after the cut, and this has definitely affected his energy and his performances. He’s a big welterweight, and the constant weight cuts may be leading him to feel sluggish in the ring.

While he still has the skills to dominate most of his opponents, it’s evident that cutting so much weight might be compromising his explosiveness and overall stamina. This has led to sloppy moments in his fights, where he wasn’t as sharp defensively, or as explosive in his attacks.

So, here’s the million-dollar question: Should Boots move up to 154 pounds? I believe he should. At 154, he would be able to fight at a more comfortable weight, where he can maintain his energy throughout the rounds and avoid the fatigue that seems to haunt him at 147. There’s no question that Boots has the talent to compete at 154, and moving up might help him find his rhythm again.

Crawford vs. Boots: A Tough Matchup

Now, let’s talk about Terence Crawford. The first thing you need to remember about Crawford is that he’s a future Hall-of-Famer. He’s one of the most complete fighters in the sport today—elite in every area, from his ring IQ to his ability to fight effectively from both stances. When you stack Boots up against Crawford, the talent gap is noticeable. Crawford is a seasoned veteran with a wealth of experience against the best in the world. Boots, on the other hand, while incredibly talented, is still in the process of proving himself against elite competition.

I think Boots could give Crawford problems, but right now, it doesn’t seem like a competitive fight. Crawford’s ring generalship, timing, and poise are far more refined than Boots’ at this stage. While Boots has the raw talent to challenge Crawford, he doesn’t yet have the technical polish, the experience, or the defensive reliability that a fighter needs to beat a master like Bud. Crawford is a fighter who can adapt, make adjustments in real-time, and find a way to neutralize any advantage his opponent may have. I don’t think Boots has proven yet that he’s capable of doing the same.

Additionally, Crawford’s ability to fight at multiple weights, including his success at 154 pounds, gives him an edge in terms of experience. He’s been in big fights, he’s fought and beaten the best, and he’s faced different styles that have prepared him for just about anything. Boots, despite his incredible promise, doesn’t have that same level of big-fight experience.

Should We Still Expect Boots to Take on Crawford?

If you ask me, I don’t think Boots is ready for Crawford right now. Crawford is getting up there in age and may be nearing the end of his career, but he’s still a dangerous fighter who would be a major challenge for anyone. There was a time when I thought Boots could be ready to face him, but after watching his recent performances, especially at 147, I’m starting to think Boots may need more time and development before he’s ready for that kind of fight.

I’m not writing Boots off. Not by a long shot. But as of today, I think it’s fair to say that Crawford, with his skill set and experience, would still be the favorite in that matchup. Boots has the talent to eventually compete with the very best, but I think moving up to 154 pounds and gaining more experience against top-tier fighters in that weight class will help him reach the level he needs to be at to challenge someone like Crawford.

What’s Next for Boots?

Ultimately, if Boots can make the jump to 154 and rediscover his sharpness, we might see a completely different fighter—a more confident, more explosive version of Boots, who can truly challenge the elite of the division. But as things stand, until he fully develops and adapts to a higher weight class, it’s hard to say he’s ready to face Crawford just yet.

So, while I’m still high on Boots and think he has a bright future ahead, right now, I’d say he needs more time before he’s truly ready to take on the best in the world—especially someone like Terence Crawford.

Let me know what you think. Do you think Boots is ready for Crawford, or does he need more time to grow into his full potential?