Boots Ennis Survives Scare vs Zayas, Crawford Shade Ignites Fan Fury and What's Next

Jaron “Boots” Ennis dropped Xander Zayas early then survived a serious wobble in rounds three and four before finishing him in round seven to claim the WBA and WBO 154-pound titles. Terence Crawford’s X post questioning the performance drew heavy fan backlash while Boots fired back on social media. Eddie Hearn defended his fighter loudly in the post-fight press conference and unification with Sebastian Fundora now sits on the horizon.

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Jaron “Boots” Ennis(36-0) walked into Barclays Center on June 27 as the favorite and left as the new unified super welterweight champion after a seven-round war with Xander Zayas. Ennis dropped Zayas in the opening round and looked in total control early. The fight turned when Zayas landed clean right hands that had Boots partially shook in rounds 3 or 4.

Ennis showed real heart and adjusted quickly. Even though Zayas landed a few big shots here and there, Boots kept his calm and started landing his own power shots at will, and dropped Zayas a third time before the corner and referee stepped in during round 7.

Terence Crawford posted on X right after the fight and fans lost it. He sarcastically hit back at critics by revealing that he kept his full comments short with a line that basically said “y’all get it.” Many fans thought it as a shade about Boots performance or a reminder that Crawford still sees himself as levels above.

Boots then addressed the 'alleged' shade from Crawford without overreacting and made it clear he is focused on his own path and he is not so worried about retired fighters. The exchange added fuel to the already hot debate about where Boots ranks and whether a Crawford fight is even realistic anymore.

Eddie Hearn had no patience for critics in the post-fight press conference. When one reporter questioned Boots’ level after the wobble, Hearn snapped back hard and told him what he said did not matter. Hearn praised the performance, said Boots belongs on the pound-for-pound list, and made it clear he believes in his fighter completely.

Boots posted on X after the victory and kept the message short and confident. He thanked his team, acknowledged the tough night, and signaled he is ready for the next step without naming names directly.

Next for Boots looks like a unification shot with Sebastian Fundora or a big fight with Vergil Ortiz Jr later this year. Both fights would give him a chance at three belts and set up a potential undisputed run at 154. Crawford remains the dream name for many fans but the former champ has made it clear he is done. Boots has options and momentum on his side right now.

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