By: Hans Themistode
When discussing the best fighters at 147 pounds, both Errol Spence Jr and Terence Crawford’s names often top the welterweight list.
With Spence Jr owning both the WBC and IBF world championship belts and Crawford holding on to his WBO title, many considered them to be heavyweight stars. However, despite those beliefs, Jaron Ennis went on to become the division’s best fighter.
The 24-year-old from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has been trying slowly but surely to climb the weight ladder. In 2021, Ennis had the most productive year. In the first half of his schedule, Ennis roughly tackled former 140-pounder Sergey Lipinets in the sixth round. Before the year was over, Ennis quickly captured respected journeyman, Thomas Dulorme, needing just a minute and a half to remove him.
Considering his ability to dissect opponents from the outside, as well as his stellar work on the inside and his power to knock out concussions, Hall of Fame coach Freddie Roach was spot on. Not only did Roach firmly believe that Ennis was ready to showcase his talents on the biggest stages, but when asked to choose the best 147-pound athlete in the world, Roach did not hesitate to answer. his words.
“He was a very good fighter,” Roach said when describing Ennis in an interview with FightHype.com. “I think he’s the best in the weight department.”
In the coming months, Roach’s words could prove to be prophetic. With Ennis set to face Custio Clayton this spring in the IBF’s final elimination bout, the dynamic young star could find himself facing Spence Jr. sooner rather than later.
First things first, though, even as Ennis passes through Clayton, Spence Jr has his eye on adding more gold to his championship shirt. On April 16, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, Spence Jr will play WBA belt holder Yordenis Ugas. If Spence Jr wins his third world title, he will turn his attention to Crawford in his bid to become the undisputed champion.
While Ennis may eventually be forced to play the waiting game, no matter who he faces in the ring, Roach believes he will always have the upper hand.
