Terence Crawford has firmly dismissed any suggestion that he could return from retirement to face Jaron Ennis. Although the former five weight world champion believes he still has the tools to defeat the newly crowned unified super welterweight champion, Crawford insists his fighting days are over.
The debate intensified after Ennis produced a stunning stoppage victory over Xander Zayas in Brooklyn, becoming a unified champion in a second weight division. The performance reignited long standing discussions about the fight that never happened when both men competed at welterweight.
Crawford believes he still sees flaws in Ennis
Ennis delivered one of the finest performances of his career by stopping the previously unbeaten Xander Zayas inside seven rounds. The Philadelphia star overcame an early scare before taking complete control, scoring three knockdowns as he extended his impressive boxing record.
Many fans immediately called for Crawford to reconsider his retirement, believing a showdown between the two American stars would finally settle years of speculation. However, speaking on The Porter Way podcast, Crawford explained that returning would do little to enhance his legacy.
"If I beat Ennis, they'd say, 'Oh, he only fought Xander.' They'd come up with some type of excuse."
Despite refusing the challenge, Crawford made it clear he remains highly impressed by Ennis' ability.
"I can see the holes in his game"
While praising Ennis as one of the most talented fighters in professional boxing, Crawford also revealed why he believes he would have emerged victorious if the pair had shared the ring.
"To credit Boots, he's a tremendous talent. He's no walk in the park for no one. He's a threat to anyone that he steps in the ring with, tremendous speed, great power, reflexes, defence, all that."
Crawford then added the comment that has sparked widespread boxing discussion.
"The only thing that I can say is I'm ten steps ahead of him in smarts. I can see the holes in his game. The shots that Xander was hitting him with, and the shots that Xander couldn't capitalise on, I would be able to capitalise on. And, when I capitalise, everybody knows I'm probably one of the best counterpunchers there ever was."
The remarks have divided the boxing community, with some agreeing that Crawford's ring IQ would have been decisive, while others believe Ennis possesses the youth, size and athleticism to trouble any opponent.
Crawford says retirement is permanent
Despite the growing demand for a comeback, Crawford left little room for doubt when asked if he would ever fight again.
"Never. I'm happily retired. It's Boots' era. I pray and hope he takes it to the extreme. Nothing but success for him and his family."
The former undisputed champion also acknowledged that fans will always compare generations, just as many continue to debate how he would have fared against Floyd Mayweather. Crawford believes those fantasy matchups are part of boxing's appeal but accepts some fights will simply never happen.
What Happens Next
With Crawford standing firm on retirement, Ennis can now focus entirely on becoming the undisputed super welterweight champion. Potential fights against Sebastian Fundora, Josh Kelly and Vergil Ortiz Jr remain among the biggest contests available at 154 pounds. While fans may always wonder what could have happened between Crawford and Ennis, the torch now appears to have been officially passed to boxing's next generation. Boxing Wiretap will continue bringing the latest boxing news, expert boxing analysis and fight night reaction as Ennis pursues undisputed glory.