Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn is hopeful that His Excellency Turki Alalshikh can help arrange a blockbuster fight between Terence Crawford and Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis. Hearn acknowledges that Crawford will ask for a substantial amount due to the risk involved in taking on the unbeaten Ennis, but he believes that the Saudis can provide the necessary financial backing.
Before Ennis can set up a face-off with Crawford, he needs to establish himself as the undisputed welterweight champion to attract public attention. Hearn predicts that other champions like Eimantis Stanionis and Mario Barrios will be keen on challenging Ennis as he is seen as the top draw in the 147-pound division.
Regarding Crawford’s potential asking price for the fight, Hearn mentioned, “The only person who can make that fight happen is His Excellency [Turki Alalshikh].” He stressed the importance of ensuring a fair payout for Ennis too, pointing out the interest displayed by Alalshikh in previous talks with Ennis in New York.
Ennis’s journey to stardom includes possible matchups with Stanionis and Barrios, whom Hearn believes see a fight with Ennis as a lucrative opportunity. Hearn has faith in Ennis’s capability to outshine these opponents and stressed the significance of boosting Ennis’s reputation with impressive wins.
Hearn highlighted Saudi Arabia’s influence in potentially materializing the Crawford vs. Ennis fight, underlining the need to create excitement and buzz around the match. Ennis’s upcoming bout against Crowley might not be sufficient to generate interest in a Crawford clash, hinting that facing more high-profile opponents could help raise Ennis’s standing in the boxing landscape.
Overall, Hearn is positive about the chances of a Crawford vs. Ennis showdown, pointing out the backing from His Excellency and the opportunity for Ennis to establish himself as a major contender in the welterweight scene.
