The super welterweight division is currently one of the most talent-rich in the entire boxing landscape. Many high-quality fighters are vying for the number one spot, but the true hierarchy of the division is still unclear, as the top names have yet to face each other. Pound-for-pound great Terence Crawford, who briefly passed through the 154-pound division before moving up to super middleweight to face and defeat Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, has identified WBC world champion Sebastian Fundora as the best fighter at 154 pounds.
Responding to a question on social media, Crawford said he would favor Fundora over Jaron “Boots” Ennis if the two were to meet. He added that, at the moment, he does not see any super welterweight capable of defeating the “Towering Inferno.”
Ennis is scheduled for a high-level clash on June 27, when he will face Puerto Rico’s Xander Zayas in an attempt to take his WBA and WBO world titles. The American had long been in talks with fellow countryman Vergil Ortiz Jr., but the deal ultimately fell through, leading “Boots” to pursue an alternative path.
Ortiz’s future now appears uncertain due to his legal battle with promoter Oscar De La Hoya. It remains to be seen whether the two will resolve their dispute and whether the young fighter’s promising career will find a new direction. The Texan has not fought since last November, when he needed just two rounds to knock out Erickson Lubin.
To complete the picture, it is necessary to mention Britain’s Josh Kelly, who on January 31 delivered a true masterpiece by dethroning the dangerous and feared Russian puncher Bakhram Murtazaliev and is now the IBF world champion. According to recent reports, Kelly is in talks with Fundora for a unification bout.
A step behind in the rankings are Murtazaliev himself, Uzbekistan’s Israil Madrimov, and Australia’s Tim Tszyu—fighters who, despite recent setbacks, possess significant talent and could return to the top at any moment.
Meanwhile, exciting Ukrainian destroyer Serhii Bohachuk risks being left out of the elite circle. His decision to sign with Zuffa Boxing and enter a closed circuit could make it difficult for him to face the world’s best. Bohachuk narrowly defeated Russia’s Radzhab Butaev in early February and is now scheduled to fight American Shane Mosley Jr. on May 10.