The world of boxing is buzzing with rumors and speculation surrounding a potential mega-fight between Terence Crawford and Saul “Canelo” Álvarez. As fans eagerly await the clash of these two giants, one undefeated rising star has issued a warning: Jaron “Boots” Ennis believes it would be a huge mistake for Crawford to face Canelo without first taking a tune-up fight.

Ennis, who is quickly rising through the ranks of the welterweight division and becoming one of the most talked-about young talents in boxing, has never been shy about speaking his mind. Recently, in an interview, he shared his thoughts on Crawford’s potential move up in weight to challenge Canelo for the middleweight crown. While the matchup itself has fans salivating, Ennis expressed his concern about Crawford’s strategy—or lack thereof—if the fight were to happen without a proper warm-up bout.

The High Stakes of a Crawford vs. Canelo Showdown

The potential fight between Terence Crawford, one of boxing’s most accomplished and skilled pound-for-pound fighters, and Canelo Álvarez, the undisputed super middleweight champion, has captivated the boxing world. Crawford has already conquered the welterweight division, and Canelo has reigned supreme in multiple weight classes, making the prospect of this fight one for the ages.

However, Crawford’s decision to skip a tune-up and potentially jump straight into a fight with Canelo at 168 pounds is raising eyebrows. While Crawford is undoubtedly a talented fighter with an impressive record, Ennis believes that taking such a leap without any preparation could be a costly decision.

Ennis’ Warning to Crawford: The Importance of a Tune-Up

Jaron Ennis, who is currently positioning himself as one of the future stars of boxing, understands the value of preparation, especially when stepping up in weight. In a recent interview, Ennis made it clear that he believes Crawford would be making a “big mistake” by skipping a tune-up fight before facing Canelo.

“A guy like Crawford, who’s been dominating at welterweight, wants to jump up and fight Canelo, but that’s a huge jump,” Ennis said. “Canelo’s not a regular fighter—he’s the king of 168 and beyond. And for Crawford to go straight from 147 to 168 without even a tune-up fight? That’s a big mistake. You can’t just skip steps like that. You need a fight at 154, 160 to see how your body feels, get accustomed to the power and size of guys in those weight classes.”

Ennis’ warning highlights a significant concern: size and power. Canelo has fought and defeated some of the biggest names in boxing, from Gennady Golovkin to Sergey Kovalev, and he’s proven his ability to handle fighters much bigger than himself. Crawford, who is known for his versatility, speed, and intelligence in the ring, would be facing a completely different challenge in terms of size, power, and strength at 168 pounds.

The Risks of Jumping Too Soon

Jumping directly from the welterweight division to fight Canelo could potentially be a risky move for Crawford, despite his elite skill set. Crawford has been in wars with some of the best in the business, including Errol Spence Jr. and Shawn Porter, but the size discrepancy in a fight with Canelo is a different animal altogether.

“Canelo’s power is something else,” Ennis continued. “He’s a guy who has beaten the biggest fighters in the world. His body punches are brutal, and he can hurt you with every shot. If Crawford doesn’t adjust to that power, he could get hurt in a way he hasn’t been before. That’s why a tune-up fight is so important.”

For Ennis, the advice is simple: don’t rush it. Taking a fight at a lighter weight, like 154 or 160 pounds, would allow Crawford to gauge how his body adapts to the higher weight classes. Ennis also pointed out that taking on a fighter who isn’t as physically imposing as Canelo could provide Crawford with valuable insight into how to handle bigger opponents.

Crawford’s Confidence vs. Canelo’s Power

Despite Ennis’ warnings, Crawford is known for his unshakable confidence. The Nebraska native has never been one to shy away from a challenge and is often praised for his adaptability and intelligence in the ring. His ability to switch between orthodox and southpaw stances has made him one of the hardest puzzle pieces to solve in boxing today.

However, Canelo’s power at 168 pounds could pose a significant challenge, even for someone as talented as Crawford. Many boxing pundits believe that while Crawford’s skill set is second to none, he will need to be wary of Canelo’s explosive power and aggressive style. Ennis, too, emphasized that Crawford would need to be cautious of overcommitting and leaving himself open to Canelo’s deadly counter-punching.

“Canelo is a different beast,” Ennis said. “Crawford has the skills, but in my opinion, jumping right into that fight without a warm-up is risky. Canelo has the experience, the size, and the power to overwhelm anyone. Crawford will need to adjust fast if he wants to survive.”

The Road to the Fight: Will Crawford Listen to Ennis?

As the discussions around a potential Crawford vs. Canelo showdown continue to gain steam, it remains to be seen whether Crawford will heed Ennis’ advice. Many fans are split on whether Crawford should take a tune-up fight first, or whether his skill and confidence are enough to overcome the challenges of moving up two weight classes.

The fight, if it happens, would be a historic clash between two of the best fighters of this era. Crawford’s talent and ring IQ are widely respected, but Canelo’s dominance in the super middleweight division has made him a fearsome opponent. While Crawford’s ability to adapt is one of his biggest strengths, Ennis’ warning serves as a reminder that preparation at the higher weight classes is crucial to avoiding a potentially disastrous outcome.

Conclusion: Is Crawford Ready for Canelo?

The potential fight between Terence Crawford and Canelo Álvarez is one that could shape the future of boxing. But whether Crawford is ready for the challenge remains uncertain. Jaron Ennis’ warning about jumping into the Canelo fight without proper preparation is a valid concern, as moving up in weight without adjusting to the physical differences of larger fighters could be a huge risk.

Ultimately, the decision will be up to Crawford. He’s never been one to back down from a challenge, but this may be a fight that requires a bit more patience and strategic planning than his previous matchups. As the buzz continues to build around this potential mega-fight, boxing fans can only hope that Crawford takes the necessary steps to ensure that he’s fully prepared when he faces Canelo in the ring.