Weeks after criticizing Ennis’ win over Xander Zayas, Crawford accused the unified champion of building his profile through comparisons to him.
Terence Crawford has escalated his public exchange with Jaron “Boots” Ennis by accusing the unified junior middleweight champion of being a “hater.” The accusation followed Crawford’s sustained criticism of Ennis’ victory over Xander Zayas, adding another chapter to their growing rivalry.
“I think we are overhyping this victory. In a sense where, nobody picked Xander to win, everybody was thinking of like, ‘Okay, he’s in over his head and it’s only a matter of time before Boots catch him’ and end the fight,” Crawford said to The Real Report with Tony Yayo and Uncle Murda
“I think it’s going to be different when he goes 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.”
Ennis dismissed the remarks and stated he was focused on active fighters rather than former champions. Crawford responded by labeling Ennis a hater. Crawford also claimed the champion’s rise has been built on comparisons to him.
Ryan Garcia appeared to notice the disconnect. He urged Crawford to enter the ring instead of continuing the exchange through media rounds. Crawford has spent the past month questioning Ennis’ abilities. If he truly believes Ennis is living off comparisons to him, stepping back into the squared circle would settle the matter far more convincingly than another sit-down interview.
