Bernard Hopkins, the legendary middleweight, has expressed his desire to see Jaron “Boots” Ennis face tougher competition in the welterweight division. In a recent interview, Hopkins reflected on Ennis’s promising career, emphasizing that the true test of his capabilities would come when he competes against top-tier opponents. Ennis, currently undefeated, is scheduled to defend his IBF title against Cody Crowley in Philadelphia, marking his first fight in the city since 2018.
Hopkins highlighted the importance of Ennis fighting elite boxers like Terence Crawford, Errol Spence, or Eimantas Stanionis to truly prove his mettle. According to Hopkins, facing and prevailing over renowned fighters would not only validate Ennis’s status as a leading welterweight but also elevate his reputation to a whole new level. The conversation turned to Ennis’s potential to revive East Coast boxing, reminiscent of the eras dominated by icons like Mike Tyson and Meldrick Taylor.
The discourse also touched on the broader appeal of boxing, with Hopkins pointing out that the sport transcends regional biases, drawing fans nationwide who are eager to witness quality fights.
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