Terence Crawford Says Jaron Ennis Is Getting Too Much Credit For Xander Zayas Win

The retired four-division champion believes Ennis’ performance exposed vulnerabilities that Sebastian Fundora and Vergil Ortiz Jr. could exploit

Terence Crawford believes Jaron Ennis’ victory over Xander Zayas is being overhyped. The retired four-division champion said Ennis was fortunate to recover after being hurt and questioned how he would cope against Sebastian Fundora or Vergil Ortiz Jr.

Rather than praising Ennis’ performance, Crawford used the aftermath of the victory to argue that the accomplishment is being overstated. The former undisputed champion said Ennis was fortunate to recover after being shaken by Zayas early in the fight and believes a bigger puncher such as WBC champion Sebastian Fundora or Vergil Ortiz Jr. would make him pay for the same mistake.

Crawford said Ennis’ victory over Zayas is receiving more credit than it deserves because few expected Zayas to pull off the upset.

“I don’t think no one picked Xander to win. I love Xander, and he’s a great kid, but I think we’re overhyping [Ennis’] victory,” said Crawford to Shawn Porter.

“I think it’s going to be different when he comes up against a Fundora or a Vergil because, if one of those guys gets him hurt like Xander did, I don’t think it’s going to be the same outcome.”

Crawford pointed to the third round, when Zayas landed a clean right hand that briefly disrupted Ennis before the Philadelphia native regained control. Ennis recovered to score three knockdowns and stop the previously unbeaten challenger in the seventh round, but Crawford believes the division’s heavier hitters would produce a different ending.

Fundora, the WBC champion, and IBF titleholder Josh Kelly are among the leading options as Ennis pursues the undisputed championship at 154 pounds. Ortiz also remains one of the biggest fights available in the division despite not holding a world title.

Crawford has consistently questioned Ennis over the years, and his latest comments show that skepticism hasn’t faded now that his own career is over. While Ennis continues building his resume inside the ring, Crawford remains one of his most persistent critics from outside it.

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