After last year’s sparring with Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, Jaron Ennis wondered what made him one of the best fighters of his era.

Canelo and “Boots” Ennis sparred in August as the Mexican prepared to defend his undisputed super middleweight title against Terence Crawford and “Boots” prepared to make his super welterweight debut against Uisma Lima.

These fights couldn’t have gone any other way for both men, with Canelo suffering a points defeat Ennis secured the win via knockout in the first round.

Reflecting on their sessions, the Philadelphian said The whole fight against smoke his sympathy for the champion of four divisions.

“He [Canelo] he was frosty, he was normal, he’s a comical guy, super comical. People don’t know, but when he speaks English fluently, he’s super comical, the whole team is comical.

In terms of his skills, Ennis further pointed out how valuable these bullets were to him, continuing to view Canelo as an elite fighter due to his experience, intelligence and patience.

“My sparring sessions were going great, I was out there being myself and having fun. I was picking his brain, he’s had about 70 fights so he knows stuff and little tricks, so I’m picking his brain and seeing what works, seeing what I can do. It was great fun, I had a good time.”

“He was clever, he took his time. He’s super patient, just like when he’s fighting… Honestly, this might be his best [attribute].

When asked specifically about Canelo’s power, Ennis said:

“It was fun. Nope [not the hardest I’ve been in with.]”

Ennis hopes to become a unified two-division world champion when he faces Xander Zayas for the WBA and WBO super welterweight world titles on Saturday, June 27.

As for Canelo, he will return on September 12 in an immediate attempt to regain one of his former titles, the WBC belt currently held by Christian Mbilla.

Vasily Lomachenko looks set to make a stunning return to boxing.

Lomachenko had a spectacular amateur career, finishing with a record of 396-1 while being a two-time Olympic gold medalist, before breaking into the professional ranks and competing for world titles in just his second fight.

While he may have fallen low in this fight, he made up for it in his third fight, winning the WBO featherweight title before also becoming the WBO super featherweight champion and unified lightweight world champion.

The Ukrainian was praised for fighting above his natural weight and winning over the likes of Jorge Linares and Jose Pedraza, but was defeated twice at 135 pounds, first defeat to Teofimo Lopez in October 2020 before his controversial loss to Devin Haney in May 2023.

Lomachenko did bounce back with a win over George Kambosos in May 2024 to become the IBF lightweight champion, and it seemed like it would be his last time in the ring when he officially announced his retirement in June 2025 after months of speculation.

However, everything may change soon Mike Coppinger reported this that he intends to retire and return this year “only for the massive fights.”

“Vasily Lomachenko is coming out of retirement and his goal is to return this fall, sources tell Ring Magazine. Lomachenko’s contract with Top Rank expires today and he is now a promotional free agent. I’m told he only wants massive fights, without any improvements.”

It is known that Lomachenko talked to Gervonta Davis before his retirement, but this fight never took place, and one of the reasons for the impossibility was the Ukrainian’s persistent back injury.

With the back injury now seemingly in the past, it could pave the way for a rematch with Davis, though there are plenty of other intriguing options – including Shakur Stevenson, who has always called for a fight – for the former pound-for-pound superstar.

This freedom radically changes the options available to him. Instead of being narrow by promotional politics, Lomachenko can now pursue the biggest paydays available and the most prestigious lightweight fights.

The update immediately reignited speculation about potential fights with Gervonta Davis and Shakur Stevenson, although Stevenson may now represent a more realistic option given Saudi Arabia’s growing involvement in major boxing events.

Now 38 years elderly, Lomachenko will return as one of boxing’s greatest technicians, but also one of boxing’s most valuable free agents. His decision to skip pre-season fights suggests he believes there is still enough money and leverage to make elite-level fights possible immediately, despite the long layoff.

The lightweight division also looks much different now than it did when Lomachenko left. Players like Shakur Stevenson, William Zepeda, Lamont Roach Jr. and Jadier Herrera have been promoted to main roles, while money from Riyad’s season continues to influence the way the biggest fights are organized.

Mike Coppinger revealed today on X that Lomachenko’s contract with Top Rank expires today, making him a promotional free agent for the first time in years. Lomachenko plans to return in the fall and wants a “massive” fight without any adjustments.

The update immediately reignited speculation about potential fights with Gervonta Davis, Shakur Stevenson and other major names in the lightweight division.

Lomachenko hasn’t fought since stopping George Kambosos Jr. in May 2024. in the fight for the IBF lightweight title. After the victory, the former three-division champion retired from boxing, citing emotional exhaustion and uncertainty about his future career.

Back problems reportedly interrupted negotiations for a proposed fight with Gervonta Davis before Lomachenko officially retired.

Now, at the age of 38, Lomachenko will return as one of boxing’s greatest technicians and one of the biggest free agents in the sport. His decision to avoid pre-season fights suggests that despite his long layoff, he still considers himself capable of competing at an elite level immediately.

The lightweight division has seen significant changes in his absence, with Shakur Stevenson, William Zepeda, Lamont Roach Jr. and Jadier Herrera have moved into major championship positions, while Davis remains one of the sport’s biggest attractions.

Sources say that Vasily Lomachenko is coming out of retirement and his goal is to return this fall @ringmagazyn. Lomachenko’s contract with Top Rank expires today and he is now a promotional free agent. I was told he only wanted massive fights, no corrections. pic.twitter.com/cDlZJ8WCG0

— Mike Coppinger (@MikeCoppinger) May 12, 2026