Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis’ call-outs are exciting but one superstar should take priority on his list

Fresh off his electric 154-pound debut Saturday night, Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis came equipped with names to call out for his next fight.

First on his list is fellow undefeated interim super welterweight champ Vergil Ortiz Jr. As long as Ortiz handles his business against Erickson Lubin on November 8, live on DAZN, Ennis made it clear Ortiz is the opponent he wants early in 2026.

Ennis’ Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed during his charge’s post-fight press conference that if Ortiz wins and Golden Boy Promotions keeps their word, then the bout should happen during the first quarter onext year.

But in case that fight does not come to fruition, Ennis rattled off the names of Jermell Charlo, WBC super welterweight world champion Sebastian Fundora, IBF champ Bakhram Murtazaliev and WBO titleholder Xander Zayas just for good measure.

‘Boots’ boxing Ortiz or any of the other aforementioned fighters would make for an excellent bout. However, absent from his list was Terence Crawford.

Despite Crawford dismissing the idea to clash with Ennis, the Philadelphia fighter should not give up hope in facing the pound-for-pound best.

Though Ennis thoroughly outclassed Uisma Lima on Saturday night, proving in roughly two minutes via his first-round TKO that the Angolan fighter did not belong in the same ring as him, he also used the bout to showcase and reinforce that he is arguably the most exciting fighter in boxing today.

His footwork, hand speed and scintillating combinations are the epitome of boxing brilliance. Plus, Ennis has a growing mean streak which makes him all the more of a devastating force to deal with in the ring.

Yes, an Ennis vs. Ortiz fight would be a must-see boxing bout and the toughest test of each young star’s career to date. Similarly, prospects of an Ennis vs. Zayas fight at Madison Square Garden in New York City during the Puerto Rican Day Parade weekend are alluring.

But Ennis should strongly consider trying to force the issue against Crawford the same way ‘Bud’ did against Canelo Alvarez — with urgency. Ennis tried to line up a fight with Crawford at welterweight to no avail, but I'd like to see him remain persistent about it.

Remember, when Crawford first broached the idea to move up two weight classes to fight Canelo, the Mexican sensation politely dismissed him, repeatedly stating that he would not have anything to gain from defeating a smaller fighter.

Similarly, following Crawford’s masterclass win over Alvarez to become the new undisputed super middleweight crown holder last month, 'Bud' made it clear once again that he does not believe he would have anything to gain by facing 'Boots.'

Having turned 38 a few weeks ago, Crawford might stick to his feeling about not being interested in a fight with Ennis. He has earned that right. However, it is up to Ennis to push the issue and make the fight happen, the same way Crawford did with Canelo.

His Excellency Turki Alalshikh could help in presenting ‘Bud’ with an offer he cannot refuse in order to ensure the bout happens.

Prior to even Ennis destroying Lima, Hearn planted seeds for a Crawford-‘Boots’ fight, telling TMZ: "For a long time, people have talked about Ennis against Crawford, right? What we can't do is diminish or disrespect what Terence has done. I mean, a true generational great of the sport. But if anyone's going to beat him, I believe we've got the guy to beat him.”

While Hearn added they are willing to wait for the mega bout to take shape, the question is why let this high priority linger?

What he would lack in experience and ring savvy against Crawford, Ennis might be able to make up for with his dazzling skillset where his boxing palette of punches to select from runs deep.

Ennis fighting the likes of Ortiz or Zayas would be wonderful.

Ennis trying to snatch the torch from Crawford would spell another level of special, altogether.

The bottom line is Ennis and company should try to put 'Boots' on the ground — pun intended — to catch ‘Bud’ before it is too late.