Terence Crawford REVEALS Why Vergil Ortiz Jr. Is TOO GOOD For Boots Ennis

If Boots get hurt like he [music] did the last time, Ortiz going to finish. >> Wow. >> So what?

He got to tighten up [music] his defense. >> 10 steps behind you, right? >> He got to tighten up [music] his defense.

>> He hit him with a bridge and knocked him out, so it's uh it's uh hopefully hopefully hopefully Boots doesn't take [music] that from Virgil because, you know, coming weeks to make the fight, but coming off a loss might not be that interesting. [music] I want him to be a champion. >> Terence Crawford is now giving his view on Vergil Ortiz Jr.

versus Jaron "Boots" Ennis, and his message makes the match-up even more dangerous for Boots. >> It's >> [music] >> exchanging, and I know he's he's faster than most, he's more explosive than most, but at the same time he's shown [music] in the past that he can get careless, and that he's going out there just to fight, you know, [music] and I don't think when you get higher and higher, >> [music] >> that's going to be enough. >> Crawford is not looking at Vergil like just another pressure fighter.

He sees a young fighter with real power, toughness, timing, and the kind of aggression that can force Boots into uncomfortable moments. And that is why Bud's take hits differently. He already believes Boots has flaws, especially when Ennis gets too comfortable and starts taking shots he does not need to take.

Against Xander Zayas, Boots could survive those moments because he was the stronger and more skilled fighter, but Crawford's point is that Vergil is not Xander. Vergil hits harder, applies heavier pressure, and will not let Boots relax without making him pay. So when Crawford says Vergil may be too much for Boots, it is not just hate, it is a warning.

Boots has talent, speed, and confidence, but Vergil has the kind of power and pressure that can turn one mistake into a disaster. [music] Even Robert Garcia is talking about this potential fight. >> I think after after we seen we all seen [music] that Boots does get hurt, and he got hurt.

>> Terence Crawford reacted to Boots Ennis's win over Xander Zayas, and his response made the whole performance feel more debated than celebrated. Boots got the stoppage, became unified, and showed why people keep calling him one of the most dangerous fighters at 154, but Crawford did not react like someone who was shocked or impressed. Instead, Bud made it seem like he saw things in the fight that others were ignoring.

That is what made his reaction so interesting. Boots looked strong and explosive, but he also got touched in spots. Xander had moments where he landed, made Boots reset, and showed that Ennis can still be open when he gets too comfortable.

To Crawford, those moments probably stood out more than the knockout itself. So, Bud's reaction was not just about Boots winning. It was about what the fight revealed.

Ennis passed the test, but Crawford looked at the same performance and seemed to believe there were flaws still sitting right there for an elite fighter to expose. >> Uh how Zayas looked, some people I saw afterwards on social media accused him of quitting, called him a quitter. What did you think?

>> Listen, >> [music] >> I just I just feel like there was a lot of things going on in the ring that if he did quit, that allowed him to make that decision. I feel like his corner [music] should have made that decision for him if that was the case, but things happen, and if you know, he felt like he quit, then that's something that he got to deal with. If not, then [music] you know, so be >> Then Max Kellerman and Tim Bradley gave their take on Jaron Ennis versus Vergil Ortiz, and they leaned toward Boots being able to cook him.

Their point was that Vergil is dangerous, no doubt. He has power, pressure, toughness, and he can make a fight uncomfortable fast. But, when they looked at the full skill set, Boots had more ways to win.

He can switch stances, change angles, box from distance, counter in exchanges, and create punches that opponents do not always see coming. >> What I think he can be, he's got to clean these guys up at 54. There's nothing at 54 that's like, "Oh my god.

" That's like, for example, when Shane Mosley moved up to welterweight, Oscar De La Hoya in his prime is standing there. There's no one like that at 54. The only guy who has a chance to be like that is Boots.

THAT'S THE DUDE WHO'S SUPPOSED TO DO IT. AND IF YOU'RE a super fighter and you're in a division with really good fighters All divisions have good fighters, but regular good fighters, you're supposed to clean those guys up. >> Yeah.

Because of the talent that he has. >> Yes. >> That is why they see Boots as a serious problem for Virgil.

If Virgil comes forward too straight or gets too predictable with pressure, Ennis has the tools to turn him, touch him, and punish him before he can reset. Boots does not have to trade only with Virgil. He can box him, frustrate him, and then hurt him when the openings appear.

So, according to Max and Bradley, Virgil's power makes the fight dangerous, but Boots's skill, speed, and variety may be what separates them. >> I'm going Boots number one, Fundora number two, and uh and then Virgil. >> Okay.

>> Virgil. I'm That's based off skill. >> probably the consensus.

>> But that's off skill. But I think Virgil has the best resume. >> We're going to reveal We are going to reveal the 154 resume a little bit like Sorry, resume list later on in the show, the new Ring Magazine rankings later on in the show.

1 2 3. >> I'm doing this off of resume, not off who I think is the best pound-for-pound or whatever. Boots number one, Fundora two, Virgil three.

>> I got Virgil one, Boots two, Fundora three. >> Okay. >> Boots one, Virgil and Fundora two or three, whatever order you want to put them in.

But I think Boots has the I think here's the best case scenario for >> Alex, that's going to be the >> Here's the best case scenario for Boots. Boots is like, in a way to me, a version of Zab Judah in the sense that in the sense that he is so physically talented. He's faster than everyone, he hits harder than everyone, he wants to smoke.

But he has certain vulnerabilities underneath the surface level, and you want to know how deep is his bag if the going gets rough against another super fighter, right? >> And Robert Garcia hit back at the idea that Boots Ennis would just cook Vergil Ortiz, and he clearly did not agree with that talk. He knows how dangerous Boots is.

He understands the speed, the angles, the switch hitting, and the creativity. But from his side, people are talking like Vergil is just going to stand there and let Boots do whatever he wants. Robert does not see it that way.

>> I would I would probably say, you know, and not just because Vergil's my fighter, but I think Boots versus Vergil is probably a a bigger fight and and and a bigger uh it could turn out to be a much better fight. I think both are warriors. Boots just showed it.

And I think style-wise, it's a better fight. >> He believes Vergil has the pressure, power, chin, and toughness to make Boots uncomfortable. If Ennis tries to get too flashy or stays in the pocket too long, Vergil is the kind of fighter who can make him pay for it fast.

That is why Robert pushed back so strongly. To him, this is not some easy style matchup where Boots just boxes circles around Vergil. >> But look, I have I have Vergil in the same weight division, so so obviously obviously we we have to also push for that, you know, cuz I do I I believe Vergil Vergil beats him.

I think Vergil hits him. Vergil knocks him out. >> So Robert's message is simple.

Boots may be talented, but he cannot cook Vergil like people are saying. Vergil is too strong, too dangerous, and too determined to be treated like an easy fight. >> If Boots wants to fight Vergil, he's going to say no to the Fundora fight and fight Vergil.

It's not it's not up to us right now, you know, Boots just became champion. He's a unified champion. So So he's got the choice.

It's going to be him, you know. Does he want to fight Fundora or does he want to fight Vergil? You know, I think I think it's not about us, you know, unless Oscar De La Hoya presents him with a with an offer that he can't refuse, then it might make a difference, but but right now it's going to be up to Boots.

It's whatever he wants. If he wants to fight Virgil, then the fight's there. I think we don't want to stay busy fight.

We don't want to come back fight. We want Virgil to go straight into the Boots fight. If Boots wants Virgil, then then he could say no no to Fundora and I want to fight Virgil, but if he picks Fundora, it's also a unification fight.

So I'm not I'm not blaming him, but he probably knows that maybe it might be it might be a little more riskier fighting fighting Virgil. So so you know, it's going to be up to Boots. It's not it's not up to us pressuring or forcing that fight.

It's going to be up to Boots. >> Even Oscar De La Hoya called for Virgil Ortiz to be next for Jaron Ennis. His message was clear.

If Boots is saying he wants the biggest fights, then Virgil Ortiz is right there. He is not an easy opponent. He is not a safe name, and he is not someone Ennis can look past.

Virgil brings real pressure, real power, and the kind of danger that can turn one mistake into a disaster. That is why Oscar's pushing the fight so hard. From his side, Boots versus Virgil is the kind of match up boxing needs right now.

Two undefeated fighters, two dangerous styles, and both men trying to prove they are the future of the division. So now the pressure is back on Boots and his team. If Ennis wants to show he is truly the man at 154, Oscar believes Virgil Ortiz versus Boots is the fight that can prove [music] it.

>> Boots Ennis, what a great fight. You are a machine. Zayas, a little experience, but you will be back.

You're a great fighter. Let's make the biggest fight in boxing today, Virgil Ortiz Boots Ennis. Let's go.

>> Then Eddie Hearn started putting pressure on Virgil Ortiz, and his message was clear. If Virgil really wants Boots Ennis, then fight him next. Hearn made it sound like Boots is not the one running from the challenge.

From his side, Ennis already proved he was willing to take that fight before. And now, after stopping Xander Zayas, the demand is even louder. So, Hearn is basically turning the pressure back toward Vergil and his team.

>> He's holding a little bit, but he was sitting in the pocket and fighting back. You can't necessarily do that against every style. So, maybe if he fights Fundora, someone else, or Vergil, maybe he'll fight a little bit more of a small fight.

I don't know if he respects their power a little bit more. I've no idea, but one thing I know is when when I sit down to watch Boots Ennis fight, I don't really have any fears or doubts that he's going to lose. And I did for about 20 or 30 seconds.

But other than that, you know, it was a a fantastic performance. >> That is what makes the talk interesting. Vergil has been talking confidently, saying he can hurt Boots and even sleep him.

But Hearn's point is simple. Talking is one thing. Signing for the fight is another.

If Vergil really believes Boots has flaws, if he really thinks he can knock him out, then this is the moment to prove it. So, now the conversation becomes serious. Boots is moving like a fighter chasing big names and belts, while Hearn is daring Vergil to step in and turn his words into action.

>> You know, I I'm going back to the comments of some you know, someone said, ask Vergil Ortiz if he'll take the fight next. Because I don't think he will. And I'd be very surprised because And by the way, I don't necessarily blame him.

Because he has been out. When was the Lubin fight? I don't know.

November last year? So, you know, what we now? 9 months, 8 months, you know, 9 months.

Time he gets in the ring again won't be till September, October. It'll be nearly a year since he's boxed. Are you going to go straight into Jaron Ennis?

If you are, let's talk. But realistically, I don't think you are. I think you're going to come back and you're going to go, "Oh, I want one more fight.

" And then, which is fine. But and by the way, we're also not going to sit here and go, "We're the champion now. " Is a voluntary defense 15% for a voluntary defense like you've seen Haney and all these people do is like so boring.

It's a massive fight. Massive fight. And I can't sit there and tell you that we shouldn't do that fight when I spent 6 months telling you how much we need that fight and boxing needs that fight.

So, we must make Boots against Ortiz. >> Gary Antoine Russell lean toward Boots winning that fight. He understands why Virgil is dangerous.

Virgil has pressure, power, and toughness, and he can make any fight uncomfortable if he gets into rhythm. He is not the type of fighter who backs up easily, and if Boots gives him too many openings, Virgil can make him pay. >> Now, Virgil Ortiz, right?

He comes out and says that he would sleep Boots. You know, now he's he's talking about Xander quit. Do you feel like Xander quit in the fight?

>> I feel like Xander Technically, yeah, he quit. He made He made He made a responsible decision. He made a responsible decision.

You know what I mean? Uh nobody is in there [music] fighting for you. The fans, of course, they're going to always enjoy a juicy fight.

Whether you got a black eye and your retina is is damaged and you can't see no more after you fight, they're not the ones that's going to be paying your bills. They're not the They're not going to be taking care of their their personal family, [music] you know? So, I feel like as a young fighter, he just made the responsible decision.

You know, he was hurt. He got hurt multiple times. >> But Gary still believes Boots has more ways to win.

Ennis has the speed, size, switch-hitting, angles, and punch creativity to control the fight if he stays sharp. He can box from the outside, counter when Virgil steps in, turn him with angles, and make him reset before he can fully build pressure. >> Who do you feel like is a bigger test for Boots?

The the 6'4 towering Fernando Sebastian Fundora or a Vergil Ortiz? >> Fundora. >> Hands down.

Fundora. >> Hands down. Hands down.

He would have to punch up for one. For two, Boots he really have to go chase his man down. It's always like uh they even the same height.

The styles make it where though they just like in the center pocket, the middle of the [music] ring, and they just going like skill for skill. You know what I mean? With this 7'7" 8" tall guy, he like 7'8".

He's not about to stand there. He might. He might.

You know, but Boots is really going to have to show a different side of his ability. He going to have to walk forward. He's going to have to move his head a lot more, not just be defensive discipline, but he's going to have to work in between.

He going to have to be defensive and offensively equally as good. >> That is why Gary's pick makes sense. He is not saying Vergil is easy.

He is saying Boots has the deeper skill set. If Ennis fights disciplined and does not get too comfortable, Gary believes he can control the pace, frustrate Vergil, and slowly take the fight away from him. So, according to Gary, Vergil is dangerous, but Boots has the tools to beat him.

>> Boots would honestly I feel like he would clean Vergil up. Now, I'm not taking nothing away from Vergil Ortiz. He's a great fighter.

Sound, very sound. And honestly, if he keep going in the path he's going, he'd be a knockout artist. But I don't think he got what Boots got.

>> From Boxing Ego side, Boots has the sharper skillset. He can switch stances, change angles, counter, and create offense in ways that make him hard to read. But, he also pointed out the real danger with Virgil.

Ortiz is not just coming to box. He is coming with pressure, power, and the kind of physical style that can punish Boots if Ennis gets too comfortable. That is why boxing ego did not treat this like an easy fight.

Boots may be more gifted, but Virgil has the power to change the fight fast. If Boots stays disciplined, uses his movement, and keeps Virgil turning, he can control the matchup. But, if he stays in the pocket too long or plays around, Virgil can make him pay.

>> Jaron "Boots" Ennis gets knocked out if he faces Virgil Ortiz. This is what Virgil Ortiz is saying >> [music] >> after Jaron "Boots" Ennis became a champion by defeating unified Xander Zayas. >> Zab Judah gave his take on Jaron "Boots" Ennis versus Virgil Ortiz, and his view came from someone who understands speed, timing, and southpaw rhythm at the highest level.

Zab knows Virgil is dangerous. He has power, pressure, and the kind of toughness that can force any fighter into uncomfortable moments. But, when Zab looks at Boots, he sees a fighter with more layers.

Ennis can switch, punch from different angles, counter in the middle of exchanges, and make opponents react before they are fully set. That is why Zab leans toward Boots having the advantage. Virgil can make it rough if he gets close, but Boots has the tools to keep turning him, touching him, and making him reset.

If Ennis stays disciplined and does not get too comfortable, Zab believes his speed and variety can control the fight. >> The confidence level is here. Jaron "Boots" Ennis confidence is here.

Next time we're going to see a first-round knockout. Cuz we almost got it this time, but, you know what I'm saying? He kind of weathered the storm.

>> Then coach Breadman gave his take on Jaron "Boots" Ennis versus Virgil Ortiz, and he did not hold back. His point was not that Boots lacks talent. His point was that talent has to be proven against the right names.

Breadman understands why people are excited about Boots. Ennis has the speed, size, switch-hitting, power, angles, and punch variety that make him look special. When he is in rhythm, he can make good fighters look basic.

He can change stances, attack the body, come back upstairs, and create offense without forcing it. That is why so many people believe he can be one of the best fighters in boxing. But Breadman's message is that looking special is not enough anymore.

At some point, Boots has to fight the real killers in his division to prove his worth. And that is where Virgil Ortiz comes in. Virgil is exactly the kind of fighter who can answer the questions people still have about Boots.

He brings pressure, power, toughness, and the kind of style that does not let you relax. He will not stand there and admire Boots's skills. He will force Ennis to fight, think, adjust, and stay disciplined every second.

That is why Breadman sees this as the type of fight Boots needs. If Ennis beats Virgil clearly, then the conversation changes. People can no longer say he is just talented without the resume.

They can no longer say he has not been tested by a dangerous name. A win like that would prove that Boots is not just hype. It would prove he can handle a real threat in his prime.

But if Boots avoids fights like this, the questions will keep following him. Fans will keep asking when the talent is finally going to meet the opposition because in boxing, greatness is not built only on skills. It is built by beating fighters who can actually hurt you, push you, and expose you.

>> Boots now has to capitalize off his best career momentum. He has to fight again this year. He has to try to be the fighter of the year.

He has to fight again this year. He can't stay out long. He has to keep this train rolling.

>> downs though? They can't Like I was talking to Vernon, there can't be no step downs from here. >> [music] >> Two-time champion, two different divisions.

>> Um I agree with that. I agree with that. His team has to find him very, very [music] good opponents.

He has to get guys like Bundora. He has to get guys like um >> Virgil. >> Virgil.

He has to get guys like Josh Kelly who's a champion. >> Make sure to check out our other videos on the screen.