Jaron Ennis has suggested Terence Crawford could return from retirement following a recent conversation between the two fighters. Ennis believes the potential clash remains possible as he aims to unify the junior middleweight division before considering weight class changes.
The two champions met during a face-to-face encounter on TNT, exchanging words both in front of and away from the cameras. Ennis declined to reveal the exact details of their private dialogue, maintaining that the interaction remained brief.
“We were basically talking about my upcoming fights and this, that and the third,” Ennis told YSM Sports Media. “We had a little back and forth, and we had a little back and forth off camera. That’s it.”
Crawford stepped away from boxing after defeating Canelo Alvarez at super middleweight, securing his financial future and historical legacy. Returning to face a younger, explosive puncher carries considerable risk for Crawford with limited upside unless a massive purse is guaranteed. Despite Crawford’s current status, Ennis refuses to rule out a potential showdown.
“Who knows? He might come out of retirement. Who knows?” Ennis said. “I’m going to clean up this division, and then, like I said, this is my game, man. I’m the best. I’m taking over the division one by one.”
A fight between the two switch-hitters never materialized at welterweight before Crawford moved up to heavier divisions. Tactically, Crawford has previously noted defensive openings in Ennis’s style, referencing punches landed by Xander Zayas before Ennis secured a stoppage. While Ennis relies heavily on speed and athleticism, Crawford is renowned for his precise counter-punching and elite tactical adjustments.
Weight options present another major obstacle. Crawford has indicated he will not return to 154 pounds, which would require Ennis to move up to middleweight or super middleweight. For now, Ennis remains focused on junior middleweight threats like Vergil Ortiz Jr, Sebastian Fundora, and Serhii Bohachuk, with bouts against Ortiz and Josh Kelly representing his most immediate options.
