Renowned boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has raised the stakes, calling on Terence Crawford to step up into the ring with Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis, rather than chasing a money-spinning showdown with Canelo Alvarez. Beyond this, Hearn also took aim at Oscar De La Hoya over the proposed fight between Shakur Stevenson and Jose Zepeda.
In an exhilarating world of boxing teeming with unpredictability and fierce competition, Hearn’s suggestion for Crawford to “FIGHT BOOTS not Canelo!” has raised eyebrows in the boxing community. Crawford, arguably one of the finest welterweights in the world, has been vocal about his desire to cross paths with Canelo, a star known for his deadly in-ring technique and piercing power punches. However, Hearn seems to steer in a different direction, advocating for a fresh and exciting competition.
Boasting a flawless record in his up-and-coming career, Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis, with his lethal combination of speed and power, represents a formidable opponent. Hearn believes that such a matchup would put Crawford’s skills to a crucial test, translating into a thrilling spectacle for boxing aficionados worldwide.
The Matchroom Sport managing director’s comments come amidst speculation that Crawford, following his free agency, is considering a potential mega fight with Canelo. But in Hearn’s view, this is an unnecessary diversion for Crawford. The British promoter believes that Boots represents a more exciting, in-form fighter who could serve up a more competitive and rewarding fight for the fans.
While addressing Crawford’s prospective fights, Hearn was quick to take a dig at Golden Boy Promotions chief Oscar De La Hoya, taking issue with his plans for Shakur Stevenson vs. Jose Zepeda. Stevenson, a prodigy under Top Rank Boxing, is one of the hottest commodities in the super featherweight division.
Weighing in on De La Hoya’s choice of matches, Hearn suggested that the Shakur vs Zepeda match-up seemed to be more about protecting Shakur’s undefeated record and less about providing a stiff competition. In Hearn’s words, “Stevenson’s talent deserves high-profile fights, not strategic matchups.”
A potentially captivating encounter between Stevenson and Zepeda, staged under the Golden Boy banner, holds the promise of a blockbuster event. Nevertheless, the Matchroom boss feels that, despite Zepeda’s proven talent, Stevenson’s abilities are too superior. This fight would not provide the challenging scenario every rising star needs to continue climbing up the ladder of success.
Whether heeding Hearn’s advice or not, Crawford’s decision is sure to significantly impact the boxing landscape. If he opts for a thrilling face-off with Boots, it could serve as an electrifying display of new boxing prospects stepping into the spotlight. On the other hand, a Crawford vs. Canelo showdown represents a classic display of two boxing titans vying for supremacy.
On the subject of Stevenson and Zepeda, Hearn’s criticism points toward the need for increasing competitive matches in professional boxing, something he himself has always strived for. Encouraging up and coming talents to fight other rising stars, as opposed to strategically chosen, lower-risk opponents, can only enhance the sport.
In conclusion, amidst the milieu of back-and-forths and money-heavy moves, Hearn’s assertions underline the broader need for high-adrenaline faceoffs featuring boxing’s best talents. Such lucrative matchups are crucial in keeping the boxing world intrigued and leaning on the edges of their seats with high expectations.
