With Jaron Ennis producing another stoppage victory on Saturday night over David Avanesyan, we’re looking at the five men ‘Boots’ could set foot in the ring with next.
The IBF welterweight champion is slowly solidifying his place among the greatest pound-for-pound fighters in boxing, with fans desperate to watch the 27-year-old test his skills against the best opponents possible.
Terence Crawford
While there are many fantastic fights to make in the sport, Terence Crawford vs Jaron Ennis undeniably stands out as one of the very best.
The prospect of the two slick-footed and heavy-handed operators going head-to-head in a high-level chess battle that could end at any second, is the stuff dreams are made of.
However, at least for the time being, ‘Bud’ has other fish to fry. On August 3, the sporting icon will take on Israil Madridov in a bid to become a four-weight world champion. However, should he emerge victorious, he could be tempted to drop back down and give Ennis a shot.
With Crawford desperate for dance partners who have the ringcraft to push him to his limits, the idea of testing his skills against one of boxing’s fastest-rising stars is undeniably the sort of challenge that would capture his imagination.
Mario Barrios
Since suffering losses to Gervonta Davis and Keith Thurman, Mario Barrios has worked tirelessly in the gym, putting in the hard rounds to hone his craft. And it’s paying off on fight night.
At 29 years of age, the American has hit his prime, proving himself as a mature and seasoned operator inside the squared circle.
In 2023, he took on the almighty challenge of going head-to-head with Yordenis Ugas, a man who’d previously beaten Manny Pacquiao.
However, rather than letting the Cuban overwhelm him with his snappy jab, he stuck to his game plan and produced a tremendous performance to win the WBC interim welterweight title, which he later defended against Fabián Maidana.
Therefore, if Crawford chooses to remain at 154 pounds, Barrios would be elevated to full champion, putting him front and center for a potential unification with Ennis.
Vergil Ortiz
With a combined 50 knockouts out of 53 fights, a brawl between Ennis and Vergil Ortiz would undeniably create fireworks. Ultimately, boxing is all about excitement, and the two combat sports icons provide that in abundance.
Throughout his career, the American has smashed through any fighter who has dared set foot in the ring with him, finishing Maurice Hooker and Thomas Dulorme, with his thunderous shots.
Alas, despite his fighting prowess, possibly due to the risk he presents, the top of 145-pounders have failed to sign on the dotted line, forcing the 26-year-old to step up a weight class. However, Boots certainly isn’t afraid of anyone, making a potential blockbuster clash, a very real possibility.
Errol Spence
While his loss to Crawford was undeniably devastating, the world shouldn’t forget just how good Errol Spence is.
The classy southpaw, has proved his skills beyond doubt, winning three world titles and picking up wins over Shawn Porter, Danny Garcia and Kell Brook.
Thus, while undeniably humongous for the weight division, should he choose to stay at 145 pounds, a tear-up with Ennis would undeniably set pulses racing. And with Boots holding the first belt he ever won, there’s no doubt Spence would love to take that back.
Karen Chukhadzhian
While Karen Chukhadzhian lost every round on the cards the last time he faced Ennis, the fact that he’s one of just three men to hear the final bell could motivate Boots to want to finish the job once and for all.
Regardless, he may not even have a choice. Since their clash in 2023, the Ukrainian has gone on a tear, claiming the scalps of Pietro Rossetti and Harry Scarff, to cement his place as the IBF number one contender.
Therefore, the sanctioning body could mandate the fight, forcing Ennis back down memory lane. However, this time, with momentum on his side, Chukhadzhian will have every intention of ensuring it’s revenge rather than repeat.