JARON Ennis and Cody Crowley faced off in Philadelphia earlier, before Ennis defended his IBF welterweight title for the first time on July 13. It was a fight that threatened to cross the line of honor more than once.
Speaking at the Wells Fargo Center press conference, the man known as “Boots” is ready to spice up a promotion that got off to an incredibly bad start.
“I will make a good plan,” he promised. “I know that July 13 is obviously the one to focus on, but beyond that, what is the plan?” Union wars. Bringing big fights to Wells Fargo, right?”
Title contender Cody Crowley has been linked to Ennis for a while. The Canadian (22-0, 9KOs) is a solid next step. It's not that he sees himself as a stepping stone, helping Ennis on his inevitable climb to glory.
Cody's delivery was respectful and reserved. His manager, Anthony Girges, was ready for action, however, as things soon descended into a slanging match. Girges stokes the fire with soft trash talk.
Chasing Terence Crawford has become a sport for Ennis, whose main goal is to stay active and active. New promoter Eddie Hearn will help him do that. Adding a touch of pizzazz and hyperbole to a promising story that has failed lately, mostly due to unemployment and promotional/management disputes, is Eddie's response.
“The most important thing for me was to bring him home to Philadelphia,” said the Matchroom promoter. “And we made it happen because you have a special hero like this, and you have a big city like this.
“People do not understand the history of boxing in this city. How has he never fought here [in this arena]? Well, now is the time for that to change.”
While Ennis still faced problems off the ropes, rival Crowley, a soft-spoken southpaw who tried to distance himself from his manager's offensive motives, had been out of the ring dealing with his own personal issues.
Choosing to pursue the WBC, WBO or WBA routes was the least of his worries. Crowley has dealt with various personal situations and mental health issues, including the tragic death of his father.
“This is my dream. This is my time,” said a sad Crowley. “I know this is a big homecoming, but as he said on his Instagram today, I'm going to steal the hearts of Philadelphia.
“The Rocky story that really happened. Man, I've been through hell and back. I was taken for the rest of my life. He has a man in front of him who is ready to die on July 13 – I'm sure.”
Harsh words, but then again this is a tough game. Some of the crowd's responses to Crowley's plight were less than complimentary. While father Derrick 'Bozy' Ennis, a former pro fighter, is out of the saddle and ready for fame, Jaron took it all in his stride. Just like he has all his career.
“My focus right now is Cody Crowley,” said Jaron Ennis (31-0, 28 KOs). “That's all my eyes are focused on him right now. But after this? Absolutely no doubt for sure. Collect more belts and go on to '54 and do the same there.”
Crowley has been running in Rocky's footsteps waiting for his big moment, and it would be a real story for Rocky if he could pull it off against a man who Hearn described as “the future of the game.” Today's tour starts on July 13.
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