Less than three weeks away from one of the year’s most anticipated bouts, the clash between Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez and Terence Crawford, reports have already surfaced about the American’s immediate future. As both prepare to meet on September 13 at the Allegiant Stadium, promoter Eddie Hearn revealed that Crawford’s next fight could already be set.

Eddie Hearn points to Jaron Ennis as the next opponent

In comments picked up by several outlets, Hearn stated that the plan is to match Crawford with Jaron “Boots” Ennis, one of boxing’s most promising young stars. The Matchroom Boxing promoter explained that if Ennis defeats Uisma Lima on October 11 at the Wells Fargo Center, his next target will be none other than “Bud.”

“Once Ennis wins that fight, we’re going after Crawford. Boots is too good for anyone in his division,” Hearn declared, making it clear he believes his fighter is capable of beating even a champion of Crawford’s caliber.

This scenario only adds more intrigue to Crawford’s present, as he has yet to step in the ring with Canelo Álvarez but already appears to have another challenge lined up.

Extra pressure on Crawford before Canelo

The leak comes at a delicate moment for the American. On one hand, the megafight with Canelo—worth nearly $200 million—will force him to move up two weight classes, an unprecedented step in his career. On the other, the WBA confirmed he will lose his recognition as junior middleweight world champion the moment he steps into the ring against the Mexican, since he hasn’t defended the belt since defeating Israil Madrimov in 2024.

This means that even if “Bud” makes history by beating Álvarez, he will no longer be recognized as champion in that division. Meanwhile, Germany’s Abass Baraou will be elevated to regular champion and ordered to face Jermell Charlo in the coming months.

An uncertain future

With so much at stake, the pressure on Terence Crawford is mounting. He not only faces a global superstar in Canelo Álvarez, but also the administrative loss of a belt and the looming prospect of a future clash with Ennis.

The Las Vegas fight could define Crawford’s legacy: a victory may cement him as one of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters in history, while a defeat would raise serious questions about his future—just as his name is being linked to a hungry young challenger eager to claim his spot.