Turki Alalshikh Drops Truth Bomb on Terence Crawford’s Next Opponent: Jaron Ennis Takes a Backseat
The boxing world is abuzz with speculation about Terence Crawford’s next opponent following his recent triumph over Israil Madrimov. While fans have eagerly awaited news on who Crawford will face next, recent revelations from Saudi Royal Turki Alalshikh have cast a new light on the situation, indicating that Jaron “Boots” Ennis might not be in the immediate mix.
In a recent conversation with Charlie Parsons from Stomping Ground and DAZN Boxing, Alalshikh, who has played a significant role in shaping major boxing events, expressed his views on Crawford’s future. Despite the buzz around a potential fight with Ennis, Alalshikh dismissed it as “a great fight but not the top fight we want to see.” His comments suggest a preference for larger, more lucrative bouts, which might not currently include Ennis.
Ennis, the IBF welterweight champion, has been a hot topic of discussion, especially after his talks with Canelo Alvarez fell through. With Ennis now signed to Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing—a move that aligns him closer with Alalshikh’s interests—many thought the matchup would be an easy sell. However, Alalshikh’s statements reveal a different agenda. “I don’t think Crawford will fight anyone except Canelo,” he added, revealing a clear preference for a showdown with the Mexican superstar over other contenders.
Saudi advisor stated, “Great fight but not the top fight we want to see.”
His Excellency even added, “We give [Crawford an] offer for [Vergil] Ortiz, I don’t know if he’ll take it or not.”
“I think Crawford is on a totally different level [than Ortiz],” Mayweather pointed out, adding that Crawford is “much better than both of those guys [Ortiz and Bohachuk]” after seeing Ortiz barely edge out a win over Serhii Bohachuk.
The Saudi Royal also touched upon Vergil Ortiz Jr., another name frequently linked with Crawford. Ortiz Jr., known for his knockout power, has recently been under scrutiny after a lackluster performance against Serhii Bohachuk, where he was dropped twice before securing a majority decision win. Alalshikh confirmed that an offer had been extended to Crawford for a bout with Ortiz, though he expressed uncertainty about whether Crawford would accept the fight. Despite this, Alalshikh hinted that if Crawford declined, Ortiz might still have significant opportunities ahead, potentially in conjunction with the partnership between Oscar De La Hoya and Riyadh Season.
The situation is further complicated by Jeff Mayweather’s recent analysis, which positions Crawford as significantly superior to Ortiz. According to Mayweather, Crawford’s level of skill far exceeds that of Ortiz and Bohachuk, suggesting that Ortiz might not yet be ready for such a high-caliber match. Mayweather’s comments have fueled debate about Ortiz’s readiness and the validity of a potential bout with Crawford.
Mayweather also suggested that a rematch with Bohachuk could be good for Ortiz, saying, “A rematch will help him [Vergil] too.” Despite that, Ortiz’s trainer, Robert Garcia, is still holding out hope for a fight with Crawford, stating, “That’s the fight that we would like,” and adding that if Crawford isn’t available, a Bohachuk rematch might be a solid backup.
Ortiz’s trainer, Robert Garcia, remains optimistic, expressing a strong desire for a fight with Crawford and suggesting that a rematch with Bohachuk could serve as a viable backup plan if Crawford isn’t available. This underscores the ongoing uncertainty and shifting dynamics in Crawford’s potential fight schedule.
As the boxing community awaits more concrete updates, the options for Crawford’s next bout remain varied. Alalshikh’s remarks have certainly set the stage for more speculation, and fans are left wondering if Crawford’s next fight will be against a formidable challenger like Ortiz or if the much-anticipated clash with Canelo Alvarez will come to fruition.
With the stakes high and expectations soaring, the boxing world eagerly anticipates further developments on Crawford’s future. Will he take on a rising star like Ortiz, or will the fight with Canelo Alvarez materialize? Only time will tell.
