Canelo Alvarez is leaving no stone unturned for his clash with Terence Crawford, even if it means taking a black eye in sparring.
The Mexican superstar drafted in Jaron’ Boots’ Ennis, the newly-crowned two-weight world champion, to sharpen his tools ahead of the September 13 blockbuster in Las Vegas.
Ennis, widely regarded as one of the pound-for-pound best in boxing, was part of Alvarez’s closed-door training camp sessions. The Philadelphia ace left his mark on the undisputed super middleweight king, literally, after landing the kind of clean work that gave Canelo a visible shiner.
Canelo’s open workout
In anticipation of the historic fight at Allegiant Stadium, Canelo hosted an open workout for select media at the UFC Gym in Reno, Nevada.
The 35-year-old appeared in supreme condition, going through pad drills and bag routines. But the black eye told its own story about the level of sparring he’s been absorbing in the build-up.
Ennis, 31-0 with 28 KOs, recently moved up and looks to claim a world title at 154 pounds. Known for his blistering speed, reflexes, and switch-hitting ability, he, the Matchroom star, offers the kind of style Canelo needs to prepare for Crawford.
With Crawford’s slick defense, southpaw stance, and counter-punching, Ennis provides the perfect imitation, though perhaps a bit more punishment than Canelo bargained for.
September showdown
Canelo vs Crawford on September 13 is billed as one of the biggest fights in modern boxing history.
Netflix will broadcast the clash for the undisputed super middleweight crown at Allegiant Stadium worldwide. Many tip Canelo vs Crawford to break attendance and viewership records.
Meanwhile, Ennis will make his super-welterweight debut against Uisma Lima in a WBA final eliminator at 154 pounds on Saturday, October 11, at the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia.
The card’s co-main event features Khalil “Big Steppa” Coe (10-1-1, 8 KOs) taking on former world title challenger Jesse Hart (31-3, 25 KOs) in what promises to be the toughest test of Coe’s career.
Heavyweight action includes Canada’s unbeaten Alexis Barriere (12-0, 10 KOs) facing Italian contender Guido Vianello (13-3-1, 11 KOs) for the WBC Continental Americas belt. Welterweight title action sees Jose Roman (14-1, 6 KOs) defending his WBA Continental North America strap against undefeated Philly man Tahmir Smalls (15-0, 11 KOs).
Prelims are stacked too, featuring fighters like Zaquin Moses, Giorgio Visioli, Harley Mederos, Dennis Thompson, and Justin Palmieri.
About the Author
Phil Jay is a veteran boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. As Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News since 2010, Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and reported ringside on boxing’s biggest nights. [View all articles by Phil Jay] and learn more about his work in combat sports journalism.