STWF|Nov. 10, 2025 – Boxing legend Mike Tyson has seen it all — but there’s one fight he says he needs to see before Terence Crawford hangs up the gloves: a showdown with Jaron “Boots” Ennis.
Fresh off cementing his legacy as one of the greatest fighters of the modern era, Crawford’s next move has become one of boxing’s biggest talking points. After moving up two weight classes to shock the world by dethroning Canelo Álvarez in September and claiming the undisputed super-middleweight championship, the Omaha native made history as the first male boxer to become an undisputed champion in three different weight divisions during the four-belt era.
Now, after rumours of retirement, reports suggest that “Bud” could return to the ring in March 2026 — and Tyson knows exactly who he wants to see in the opposite corner.
Tyson: “I Want to See Him Fight Boots”
In an interview with Hard Rock Bet, the former heavyweight king didn’t mince words about his preferred opponent for Crawford’s next challenge.
“I want to see Crawford fight Jaron Ennis — Boots,” Tyson said. “I want to see him fight one of the Charlo brothers too. I want to see Boots take a test. Charlo, one of those guys. The Charlo brothers, he went up to 154 pounds.
“Let him challenge one of those guys. I want to see him be tested. I want to see him knocked down. I want to see him go to his corner and take a deep breath.”
Tyson’s comments reflect what many fans feel — that while Crawford has already achieved greatness, his dominance has come with few moments of true jeopardy. The Brooklyn-born icon wants to see how Crawford reacts when pushed to the brink by a young, hungry fighter like Ennis.
Crawford’s Next Chapter
Crawford’s victory over Álvarez sent shockwaves through the sport, but it also raised a question: what more does he have left to prove? The 38-year-old now holds titles at 140, 147, and 168 pounds, with a 41-0 record and 32 knockouts — a résumé that places him among the elite of any era.
Still, boxing is as much about legacy as it is about history, and Tyson’s suggestion carries intrigue. Ennis, 27, is the current IBF welterweight champion, unbeaten in 33 fights with 30 knockouts, and widely regarded as one of the most explosive fighters in the sport today.
A bout between the two would pit a seasoned, cerebral veteran against a dynamic young finisher — a classic generational clash.
The Roadblock: Ennis vs. Crawford Almost Happened
The fight isn’t without precedent. Back in July 2023, the IBF ordered Crawford to defend his welterweight title against Ennis. Negotiations, however, fell apart before the bout could be finalized.
At the time, Crawford was coming off his career-defining win over Errol Spence Jr. and appeared more focused on chasing legacy bouts — which eventually led him to Canelo. Ennis, meanwhile, remained one of the most avoided names in boxing, struggling to secure top-tier opposition despite his flawless record and highlight-reel knockouts.
Eddie Hearn: “That’s a Fight for the Ages”
Promoter Eddie Hearn, who represents Ennis, agrees that Crawford vs. Ennis is a must-see matchup — but admits it’s unlikely to happen immediately.
“For me, that’s a fight for the ages,” Hearn told reporters. “But we have to prove ourselves — look, Terence is only going to fight Boots if there’s loads of money on the line.
“Because he knows how good Ennis is, and he’s not gonna fight anymore unless it’s for a lot of money. He has to earn his shot against Crawford, but that is the fight in nine to twelve months’ time — three fights down the line.”
Legacy Meets Ambition
While no official talks have begun, the matchup Tyson called for could represent boxing’s perfect storm: a pound-for-pound legend defending his crown against a fearless young lion.
For Crawford, it would be a chance to silence any lingering doubts and further elevate his legacy. For Ennis, it would be the ultimate proving ground — the chance to dethrone one of the greatest fighters of the modern era.
As Tyson put it, it’s the kind of fight that would bring out the best — or expose the limits — of both men.
“Crawford’s great,” Tyson said, “but I want to see him in deep water. I want to see if he can swim.”
