Brian “BoMac” McIntyre, the longtime trainer for undefeated boxing legend Terence “Bud” Crawford, has emphatically dismissed Jaron “Boots” Ennis’s recent claims that a fight against Crawford would be “easy work.” McIntyre shut down the prospect of such a matchup, asserting that his charge is firmly retired and that Ennis had his opportunity for a major payday in the past.
This fiery exchange, playing out in early August 2026, highlights the lingering ‘what if’ scenario surrounding Crawford’s storied career and the ambitions of the rising, undefeated Jaron Ennis. Fans have long debated a potential clash between the experienced multi-division champion and the hard-hitting Philadelphian.
BoMac’s firm rejection of a Crawford comeback
McIntyre didn’t mince words when addressing Ennis’s comments, which originally surfaced on the Million Dollaz Worth Of Game podcast. Speaking on The Last Stand Podcast with Brian Custer, BoMac declared that Ennis “wouldn’t be able to touch Bud.” He also suggested Ennis would be better served focusing on his own career rather than chasing a retired fighter.
“Boots is supposed to say that because he is one of the guys at the top, but he can’t touch Bud,” McIntyre stated. He expressed a personal liking for Ennis and his team but insisted on being “really with it,” emphasizing Crawford’s unparalleled record and accomplishments in the sport.
Missed opportunities and “easy work” claims
The veteran trainer also referenced past chances for a Crawford-Ennis bout, claiming Ennis “declined” or “passed it up” when the opportunity arose. This isn’t the first time such sentiments have been voiced; BoMac previously spoke on the matter as far back as October 2025.
Crawford himself has weighed in on Ennis’s “easy work” remarks, viewing them as disrespectful. “I’m not no easy work for no man,” the retired champion asserted, despite acknowledging Ennis as a “great, talented guy” whom he’d watched since his amateur days.
The undefeated legacies: Crawford’s reign and retirement
Terence Crawford retired from boxing at 38 years old with a perfect 42-0 record, including 31 knockouts. He solidified his status as one of boxing’s modern greats by achieving undisputed championship status in three different weight classes – a rare feat.
His impressive career culminated in a dominant victory over Canelo Alvarez in 2025 at super-middleweight, a win that underscored his adaptability and skill across divisions. After this career-defining triumph, Crawford announced his retirement, choosing to leave the sport at its absolute pinnacle.
Crawford’s retirement and future impact
BoMac fully supports Crawford’s decision to step away. “Bud done, man. He said he done. I respect his decision and I want him to be done because he had nothing else to prove in the sport,” McIntyre stated. He was unequivocal, adding, “Terence Crawford is not coming back.”
This definitive stance from Crawford’s inner circle means the welterweight division, which Crawford once dominated, will continue without him. His last fight before the Canelo blockbuster was against Israil Madrimov in August 2024, where he secured a unanimous decision victory with scores of 116-112 and 115-113 twice.
CompuBox statistics from the Madrimov bout showed Crawford landing 95 punches to Madrimov’s 84, demonstrating his continued effectiveness even in the later stages of his career. It was a performance that further cemented his legacy.
Jaron Ennis’s ascent and undisputed ambitions
Meanwhile, Jaron Ennis has been steadily building his own formidable legacy. “Boots” remains undefeated with a 34-0 record, boasting 30 knockouts. He scooped up the IBF welterweight belt after Crawford vacated his titles. He then unified that IBF belt against Eimantas Stanionis, showcasing his elite capabilities.
His momentum didn’t stop there; he recently moved up to super-welterweight, where he stopped Xander Zayas in June to claim both the WBA and WBO titles, marking him as a significant force in a new division.
This impressive run demonstrates Ennis’s own trajectory toward superstardom, a path that has inevitably led to comparisons and aspirations to challenge the likes of Crawford. His repeated expressions of desire to fight Crawford highlight his confidence and belief in his own abilities.
Ennis’s path to super-welterweight dominance
With Crawford firmly out of the picture, Ennis is now laser-focused on unifying the super-welterweight division. He’s eyeing an undisputed crown at 154 lbs, with a clash against IBF world champion Josh Kelly looking set for either December 2026 or early 2027. This forms a key part of Ennis’s strategy for unifying the division.
His impressive victory over Eimantas Stanionis in April in Atlantic City was hailed by BoMac himself as “phenomenal.” The trainer noted, “the kid looked phenomenal… That boy didn’t have a chance,” showing a grudging respect for Ennis’s talent, even while maintaining Crawford’s untouchable status.
Why the dream match remains elusive
The prospect of Terence Crawford returning to face Jaron Ennis, while tantalizing for boxing purists, seems increasingly remote. BoMac’s unwavering stance underscores Crawford’s commitment to retirement, a decision made after achieving virtually everything in the sport.
For Ennis, the challenge now lies not in tempting a retired legend, but in surpassing his accomplishments. McIntyre explicitly advised this, stating Ennis’s “best thing would be to let the man stay in retirement and ride off into the sunset, then you try to accomplish more than what he accomplished.”
Expert opinions on a hypothetical clash
Even among boxing pundits, opinions are split on how a hypothetical Crawford-Ennis fight would have played out. Some, like former world champion Tim Bradley, believe Crawford would have dominated. Bradley suggested Crawford would “knock the dog s**t out of” Ennis, pointing to perceived tactical flaws like lunging and impatience in Ennis’s style.
However, the sheer talent and aggressive power of Ennis, who boasts a near-90% knockout ratio, suggest it wouldn’t have been a simple affair. This contrast in styles and generations is what made the potential matchup so compelling, though Crawford’s victory against Canelo Alvarez marked a definitive end to his competitive career.
The path forward for Jaron Ennis
With Terence Crawford’s boxing days definitively behind him, Jaron Ennis must now carve out his own undisputed path. His focus on unifying the 154-pound division is a clear indication that he’s not waiting for a ghost of past glory. The challenges ahead are formidable, but they are also tangible and within his control.
Ennis represents the new guard in boxing, a dynamic force ready to define his era. While a fight against Crawford will forever remain in the realm of “what ifs,” Ennis has the opportunity to build a legacy that commands similar respect and discussion, even if it means no direct comparison in the ring.
His sustained dominance and continued pursuit of the biggest fights available will ultimately determine his place in boxing history. The boxing world has often discussed Jaron Ennis as a potential opponent for top fighters like Devin Haney, highlighting the kind of matchups that define a career.
The boxing world will be watching to see if “Boots” can indeed accomplish more than the already incredible feats of “Bud” Crawford.
