Cha Jaron Ennis confidently declared: “Canelo stands no chance against a smart Crawford!”

Canelo Alvarez vs Terence Crawford is officially set for September 13 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. In one of the most anticipated super fights of this generation, Terence ‘Bud’ Crawford will jump up two weight divisions to challenge Canelo Alvarez for the undisputed super middleweight title.

Amid skepticism about Crawford’s chances due to the drastic weight jump, a strong voice of confidence has emerged — Bozy Ennis, the father and trainer of rising welterweight star Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis. Bozy believes Crawford is smart enough and skilled enough to outbox and frustrate the reigning champion.

Crawford’s Intelligence Could Be the X-Factor

Bozy Ennis is well-respected in the boxing community, both for his sharp eye and for developing his son into one of the most feared prospects in the sport. And when it comes to Crawford vs Canelo, Bozy sees the smaller man pulling off the upset — because of his mind.

“I am leaning towards Terence,” Bozy told reporters. “Terence and Boots are almost similar when it comes to weight. Boots gets up big and I’ve seen him handle big guys, stop them, knock them out in sparring. I think that’s a beautiful weight for Terence. He’s going up to 168, I think he can handle it.”

Ennis’s point is clear: Crawford is strong for his size, and like Jaron Ennis, he knows how to bulk up and carry power to higher weight classes. The jump to 168 pounds may seem steep, but if anyone can pull it off with skill and smarts, it’s Crawford.

Canelo’s Power vs Crawford’s Craft

Canelo Alvarez is a tank. The Mexican superstar has campaigned at middleweight, super middleweight, and even light heavyweight, defeating champions and carrying his knockout power into every division. Many pundits believe that Crawford will not be able to withstand the strength and physicality that Canelo brings.

But Bozy Ennis disagrees — because he knows what types of fighters give Canelo trouble.

“Terence is just too smart,” Bozy said. “He’s a thinking fighter. He sets traps. He adjusts round by round. That’s the kind of fighter that gives Canelo the most problems.”

There’s truth in that observation. Canelo’s two career losses — to Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Dmitry Bivol — came at the hands of highly intelligent, mobile boxers who managed distance, pace, and timing better than he could.

Crawford, like Mayweather and Bivol, is a cerebral fighter who can shift gears and make reads in real time. That may give him the edge he needs to negate some of Canelo’s physical advantages.

Can Crawford Handle the Size Difference?

One of the biggest questions surrounding this bout is whether Crawford — who started his career at 135 pounds — can handle fighting at 168.

It’s a fair concern. But Crawford’s frame and build, along with his training discipline, suggest he can safely add muscle without sacrificing speed or reflexes.

As Bozy explained, Jaron Ennis regularly spars with larger fighters, and that experience has taught him that ring IQ and timing can nullify size.

“If Terence can carry his power up and stay smart, he can definitely hang with Canelo,” Bozy said confidently.

Crawford’s Mentality: Defy the Odds, Again

Crawford has never shied away from challenges. When he cleaned out the lightweight division, people said he was too small for super lightweight. When he dominated there, they said welterweights would be too much.

But Crawford crushed those doubts in 2023 when he demolished Errol Spence Jr., becoming the first male undisputed champion in two weight classes during the four-belt era.

Now he sets his sights on a third undisputed title, in a fourth weight class.

“People said I couldn’t beat Spence. I dominated,” Crawford has said. “Now they say I can’t beat Canelo? We’ll see.”

Canelo Alvarez: Calm and Dangerous

Despite the outside noise, Canelo Alvarez isn’t rattled. The Mexican icon is one of the most seasoned active fighters in boxing, with marquee wins and championship experience at four weight classes.

“I respect Crawford. He’s a great fighter,” Canelo recently said. “But 168 is my house. He’s never felt this weight. He’ll feel it that night.”

Canelo’s defense, body punching, and counter shots have overwhelmed nearly every opponent. If Crawford stands in front of him too long, he may suffer the same fate.

However, if Crawford stays on the move and turns the fight into a chess match, Canelo may struggle to keep up.

The Bigger Picture: Legacy on the Line

For Crawford, this is a legacy-defining opportunity. Defeating Canelo would make him arguably the greatest fighter of his generation — a four-division champion, three-time undisputed king, and conqueror of a modern legend.

For Canelo, beating Crawford would prove he’s still the pound-for-pound king and able to shut down a prime elite challenger from a lower division.

Both men have everything to lose and even more to gain.

What Does the Boxing World Say?

Reactions from fans and analysts are mixed. Many believe Canelo will bully Crawford and win by late stoppage or decision. Others are intrigued by Crawford’s momentum, sharpness, and versatility.

Bozy Ennis isn’t the only trainer leaning Crawford’s way — but his insight into how smaller, smarter fighters succeed against larger opponents adds weight to his pick.

And with his son Jaron Ennis being one of the most explosive welterweights in the world, Bozy knows what it takes to fight across divisions.

September 13: An Event for the Ages

With Allegiant Stadium booked and promotion ramping up, Canelo vs Crawford promises to be one of the biggest boxing events of the decade. This isn’t just a clash of champions — it’s a clash of philosophies.

• Raw power vs surgical skill

• Natural size vs ring intelligence

• Experience at the weight vs daring greatness

And if Bozy Ennis is right, Crawford may outthink, outmaneuver, and outclass Canelo — shocking the boxing world once again.

Final Prediction: Will Crawford Make History?

As of now, oddsmakers slightly favor Canelo Alvarez, citing his size, durability, and championship experience. But as Bozy Ennis has reminded everyone: never underestimate a smart, motivated fighter on a mission.

If Crawford can frustrate Canelo the way Mayweather and Bivol did, and if he can bring enough power and movement to keep Canelo honest, then a new undisputed champion at 168 could be crowned.

Whatever happens, on September 13, the world will be watching — and history will be written.