Does anyone here think Boots Ennis could beat Bud Crawford?

[Denilson3.0]

Boots is basically the anti version of Shakur.

People complain that Shakur is boring, doesn't take risks and is scared to engage and don't like it. Then Boots comes along and is exciting, takes risks and isn't scared to engage and people don't like that either. Make up your mind guys. Boots has a fan friendly style and I'm appreciative when a fighter comes in there and does what he's suppose to do and not play tag for 12 rounds against an overmatched opponent like he did against Ava last night.

That said, the day Boots meets a good fighter who can match his physicality and can punch, I think he may be in a lot of trouble.

Vergil Ortiz would be a serious problem for him.

But then Boots would be a problem for Ortiz too because Boots defence is his offence

If he plans on hitting 154 soon, he 'll need to tighten things up 'cos those boys up there are strong. Right now (and I could be wrong) I'm not sure Boots could beat V.Ortiz or Tszyu, much less Bud. He's never been in a 50/50 fight & his best wins are against guys that moved up from 140. When he fights someone his size that can crack, we'll see what he's made of.

I question his lack of counter punching and his ability to cut off the ring and fight a mover. He's a guy that relies on his physical gifts. He has a bad habit of trying to impose his physicality and sitting in the pocket admiring his work too much. I didn’t like the way he was being pushed on the ropes by the smaller guy or all the counters Avanesyan was landing. They need to keep him active and mix up his opponents, also wondering if his dad is the right trainer to get the most out of him as he rises in comp.

But his offence is great to watch; plenty of variety, fast hands, and good pop from either hand. He really is a philly fighter in the Meldrick Tyalor mould.

But then even though he likes to stay in the pocket a little too long, and gets caught with shots you wouldn't necessarily expect an elite fighter to take. Maybe this could possibly be down to complacency given his level of opposition and his desire to put on a show.

Seems like staying active will be very important for him to remain sharp. Sounded like Hearn doesn't want to throw him in with Bud just yet, so deep down they know dude ain't ready for that level.

[Spicoli]

Caught highlights and in spots Boots looked very sharp. But as has been said many times prior, I think he's developing some bad habits that are becoming trained into his game. I put much of that in the lack of serious competition and in turn needed natural development. Trial and error. He has masterful reflex but purposefully gives up defense and he'll have to "learn in the heat of the moment" when he steps up. And it's nuts to think we're still talking about needing a comp step up when Boots is going on his 9th year as a pro. No matter how much I like the guy, that is alarming.

[TIC]

if boots can't get a unification he should move up to jr middle

[Spicoli]

No. Last night wasn't a spectacular night for Boots and that's the risk when taking empty rematches that don't need to happen with guys you already shut out 12-108 across the board prior. You have zero room for error or a backward step and public scrutiny will be off the charts. I mean, who really looked like the improved fighter, Boots or Karen . Clearly Karen in the moment. The style of Boots is fan friendly and he's convinced himself there are few worries about what is coming back at him but that just catches up. It always does. And it wasn't just the left hook he was getting clipped down the middle and off angles. At the end had it 115-113 Boots. But he's got in ring charisma by the truck load and is tenacious with it. Just wish he would have dropped the empty ibf trinket and moved up rather than jump thru the hoops of the governing body. As much as I like the guy and was always waiting for the next step, last night was clearly a step sideways if not backwards. Still a big fan and want him to get right back in the ring. Stanionis seems like a commonsense fight and will be entertaining.

[ykdadamaja]

No. Last night wasn't a spectacular night for Boots and that's the risk when taking empty rematches that don't need to happen with guys you already shut out 12-108 across the board prior. You have zero room for error or a backward step and public scrutiny will be off the charts. I mean, who really looked like the improved fighter, Boots or Karen . Clearly Karen in the moment. The style of Boots is fan friendly and he's convinced himself there are few worries about what is coming back at him but that just catches up. It always does. And it wasn't just the left hook he was getting clipped down the middle and off angles. At the end had it 115-113 Boots. But he's got in ring charisma by the truck load and is tenacious with it. Just wish he would have dropped the empty ibf trinket and moved up rather than jump thru the hoops of the governing body. As much as I like the guy and was always waiting for the next step, last night was clearly a step sideways if not backwards. Still a big fan and want him to get right back in the ring. Stanionis seems like a commonsense fight and will be entertaining.

I don't think Boots can beat Spence, tbth... But a fight with Bud would be an entertaining feeding for Bud. I just would hate for Bud to have to destroy him so early in his career.