Canelo Álvarez has shocked the boxing world yet again—this time by bringing Jaron “Boots” Ennis into camp. The move sent a strong message: Canelo is leaving no stone unturned in preparation for his highly anticipated clash with Terence “Bud” Crawford.

Boots might be the perfect sparring partner for this situation. Like Crawford, Ennis is a rare switch-hitter who can fight effectively from both stances, with speed, timing, and elite skills to match. If anyone can replicate Crawford’s style in training, it’s Boots.

Initially, I was leaning toward Crawford in this matchup, but this decision by Canelo definitely makes things more intriguing. Rumors are already swirling after a recent training photo surfaced showing Canelo with a bruise and some swelling around his eye. While it’s only speculation, many believe Boots may have been giving him some real problems in sparring. Honestly, given Ennis’ hunger and skillset, I wouldn’t be surprised. Boots is not only helping Canelo prepare—he’s also seizing the opportunity to prove he belongs among the sport’s elite.

This move benefits Ennis as well. He’s scheduled to fight in October, and sharpening his craft against one of the best fighters of this generation will only elevate his own game. For Canelo, it shows just how serious he is about solving the puzzle that is Terence Crawford.

One thing is certain: with Canelo working with Boots in camp, the buildup to this fight just got a whole lot more interesting.

‍