The reaction to Jaron “Botts” Ennis’ repeat victory over Karen Chukhadzhian has been mixed on social media, with fighters telling him to keep working, not to face them and still backing him.

Ennis again outscored Karen Chukhadzhian, as he had done in January 2023, but labored to his win at Philadelphia’s Wells Fargo Center. Some have called for the welterweight to move up in weight, while others cautioned about him making a leap too far in his next move.

Terence Crawford, the man Ennis would most like to meet, wrote on X: “I did [not] see the fight, but I heard about it. Stay focused and keep working on your craft. Every night not going to be the same. Never get too comfortable in this game, if you trying to get to the mecca of the sport. Stay on your mission because all it takes is 1 slip up.”

Crawford has not made an announcement on his future and has not boxed since his August win over Israil Madrimov in Los Angeles.

Two-time 140lbs champion Regis Prograis gave credit to Chukhadzhian for his role in trying to diminish Ennis’ stock. “That wasn’t a good fight for Boots,” said the New Orleans man. “The other dude was tough, experienced, and awkward.”

Ryan Garcia, with whom Ennis has been linked to a fight with should a Golden Boy Promotions versus Matchroom 5 x 5 come about, wrote: “Boots will get knocked out by me. This ref still sucks and Eddie [Hearn] gotta stop calling his fighters legends premature [ly].” 

However, Shakur Stevenson, who knows about criticism after high-profile fights, threw his support behind the Philadelphia product. “At this level we are not fighting cab drivers like yall make it out to be, Guys like Karen is a really good fighter who came on his A game and gave his best. He was here to spoil the show tonight and shout out to boots for not letting him do that.”

By that point, Shakur had already tweeted: “Boots the truth yall fans too wishy washy, One min you great, the next you not… But that dude was a really good fighter, too.” 

Mid-fight, former welterweight champion Andre Berto and middleweight contender Gabe Rosado could see that Boots was not going to have things his own way.

“Boots coming on strong, but he needs to put his hands up after he throws his combos. He’s relying too much on reflex,” offered Rosado, while Berto had added: “Boots looks like he might be in for a real fight tonight.”

Sheffield coach Dave Coldwell pointed out Ennis’ excitement and talent but cautioned: “He consistently shows so many gaps in his defense. Can’t help thinking if he moves to 154 both Madrimov and Crawford would beat him.”

At the post-fight press conference, Blair Cobbs was on hand to call Ennis out, but promoter Hearn said he had no interest in the fight.