Keith Thurman criticized Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis today, shaming him for choosing not to take fights against Vergil Ortiz Jr. and Teofimo Lopez. Thurman compared Ennis’ behavior to his own, saying he never turns down fights “when the money is right.”

The criticism by the former WBA and WBC welterweight champion Thurman (31-1, 23 KOs) is a transparent attempt to get Ennis to fight him next. Thurman is trying to anger Boots Ennis into fighting him.

The aging 36-year-old Thurman has struck out with his attempts at getting the other marketable fighters to face him, as he’s been too inactive over the last six years.

Thurman’s Ennis Criticism

“Don’t ever worry about Keith Thurman fighting people when the money is right. I signed my fight against Errol Spence Jr. He walked away,” said Keith Thurman to the media. “Boots didn’t want Teofimo. Boots doesn’t want [Vergil] Ortiz. Hey chump, who do you want?”

Keith’s Lost Popularity

The popularity that Thurman enjoyed while he was still motivated before becoming a millionaire has evaporated. Younger fans are unfamiliar with him, except for a balding man who talks a lot on YouTube.

“Do you want champs are do you want chumps? Someone told me the other day that he wants to move up [to 154] and get two tune-ups,” continued Thurman with his criticism of Boots Ennis. “An undefeated champion getting two tune-ups? You beat Stanionis. You don’t feel comfortable at 147? You was holding it down. And you want to come up, and you don’t want champions? You want chumps?”

Ennis November Opponents

Ennis is expected to fight before the end of the year in November. These are three of the potential options for him: Vergil Ortiz Jr., Serhii Bohachuk, or Israil Madrimov. Those are active fighters. Thurman isn’t active and hasn’t beaten a name fighter since 2022 when he defeated Mario Barrios. Even that guy isn’t in the same league as Vergil Jr., Bohachuk, and Madrimov.

“I don’t know why this boy be acting like that, how you turn down fights, good fights, money on the table. I feed my family,” said Thurman.

‘One Time’ Thurman wouldn’t have to beg for fights if he worked his way up the contender rankings by taking on top 15 contenders at 154. His reluctance to do that is the problem.

‘One Time’ Seeks Big Payday

He’s just trying to hustle his way into a big-money fight without risking suffering a loss by fighting contenders like Bohachuk and Madrimov. He’s being lazy and sneaky about trying to land a big fight. He doesn’t want to take the risk and put in the hard work. He just wants the payday given to him based on his past achievements 8 to 10 years ago.