Shakur Stevenson Says Jaron Ennis Remains Unproven

Shakur saw little value in dissecting which fighter won an argument. He would rather see Boots demonstrate his level against Ortiz or WBC junior middleweight champion Sebastian Fundora.

“It’s two guys talking. At the end of the day, that don’t mean nothing on fight night. I think fans blow it up because they’re thirsty to see the fight. Bud obviously is at a higher level of status than Jaron Ennis,” said Shakur to Fighthype. “Jaron Ennis hasn’t really proved himself yet. The fight that I would like to see with Jaron Ennis is Vergil or Fundora. I already know he’s the truth, but I want him to go out there and show the world.”

That distinction is important. Crawford has collected championships across several divisions and beaten numerous world titleholders. Ennis possesses the speed, power, and athletic ability, but his opposition has not allowed him to construct an equally persuasive case.

Beating Ortiz or Fundora would change the conversation. Both are active junior middleweights with dangerous offensive tools, and neither would let Boots rely entirely on physical superiority. Ortiz would test his response to sustained pressure, while Fundora would force him to solve unusual height, reach, and punch volume.

Ennis calling out Crawford creates attention, but Crawford is retired and controls any potential return. Boots cannot build his career around waiting for an older fighter to choose him.

Stevenson’s message was not that Ennis lacks ability. It was that being called “the truth” is different from proving it against the best available opposition. Ortiz and Fundora offer him that opportunity now.