Terence Crawford sends message to Jaron Ennis after hard-fought victory
World champion Terence Crawford has weighed in following Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis’ recent win. The November 9, 2024, bout at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia saw Ennis, the IBF welterweight champion, successfully defend his title against Ukrainian challenger Karen Chukhadzhia.
Crawford shared his thoughts on X (formerly Twitter), offering Ennis both praise and caution:
“@JaronEnnis I did see the fight, but I heard about it. Stay focused and keep working on your craft. Every night's not going to be the same. Never get too comfortable in this game if you're trying to get to the mecca of the sport. Stay on your mission because all it takes is 1 slip up,” Crawford wrote.
The boxing community saw Crawford’s words as a reminder of the sport’s inherent unpredictability. Ennis’ rematch with Chukhadzhia was more challenging than anticipated, despite his previous victory. This time, Chukhadzhia entered the ring better prepared, making it difficult for Ennis to secure an easy win.
During the fight, Ennis absorbed more punches than expected as Chukhadzhia’s persistent pressure temporarily disrupted his rhythm. However, Ennis maintained his composure and managed to knock down his opponent in the fifth round, showcasing his power. The match concluded with a unanimous decision win for Ennis, scored 119-107, 117-109, and 116-110.
Despite retaining his title, Ennis’ performance was met with mixed reactions, as fans anticipated a more dominant display. Analysts commended Chukhadzhia for his significant improvements in strategy and technique since their first bout.
On the same fight card, Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez delivered an electrifying performance, defending his WBC super flyweight title against Mexican veteran Pedro Guevara. Rodriguez’s swift third-round uppercut secured the knockout, displaying his blend of speed, precision, and power. His impressive victory earned him the spotlight and overshadowed Ennis’ harder-fought win.
Crawford’s message underlines the importance of constant vigilance and dedication in boxing. For Ennis, the path to reaching the sport’s highest level, as Crawford described, will require refining his craft and staying sharp—because one slip could change everything.
