(Interview by Declan Warrington)
BN: You are probably the most sought after free agent in the world. Why did you choose to log in to Matchroom?
JE: This is the best decision for me right now. I know Eddie will support me 100% and I will give 100% effort, and everything will be fine – a power duo. It's a lot [of rival offers].
This will lead to me undisputedly collecting all the belts and turning myself into a marquis guy. A big superstar – so you [rivals] Can't refuse anything.
BN: How influential was their relationship with your friend Andy Cruz?
JE: I like the way they moved Andy. I like what was done to him and how they treated him. He spoke positively about them.
BN: What about their geographic exposure and you previously told Boxing News about your desire to fight in Philadelphia, your home city?
JE: That was important – knowing that I was going to fight in Philly. It's been a long time – it's been six years. The last time I fought in Philly, we sold out the place. It was like standing room only – almost nothing. I can not wait. That's what Philly needs. That's what Philly is missing, and this will be Philly's first big game in a long time. I need a proper homecoming.
I feel like there are finally some big arguments [destined for Philadelphia], but I prefer to be the first. So that's all that matters.
BN: Nine months ago, you fought and impressively stopped Roiman Villa. Why do you have such a low profile?
JE: Just, figuring things out, that's all. Just need to find the tools. [I bought a house in late 2023] outside Philadelphia. I mean, it's nice to have the place to myself – it's what I need. It's great.
BN: Since the last time you fought the IBF, the IBF made you their champion…
JE: That's definitely not what I wanted. You know, I'd rather get it from someone else. There's nothing I can do. I cannot say “No”; I cannot say “Yes”. They just lifted me up. There's nothing I can do but I'll defend the belt and do what I need to do. I really don't care what no one says [laughs] – I won't lie. Like, I don't care what social media says. It doesn't bother me.
BN: Do you consider yourself a champion?
JE: I've been a champion since birth.
BN: The IBF stripped Terence Crawford of his title because you were his mandatory challenger but he says he is committed to a rematch with Errol Spence. How frustrating was it for you to see that rematch not happen?
JE: I want that fight. It certainly was – not unpleasant, but it was strange. “I don't know what's going on.” Boxing is a strange game, but in the end there's really nothing you can do. You can't control it, so I won't [try].
BN: Does that lead you to conclude that Crawford doesn't want to fight you?
JE: You said it yourself [laughs]. That's what it is.
BN: Will the investment in boxing from Saudi Arabia and its growing influence still lead to you two fighting?
JE: If it causes a big argument, that's reasonable. I always say it doesn't matter where it is. As long as I'm fighting – I just love fighting. You can see [the way that investment is changing the sport] – You can say.
Most certainly [I’m Crawford’s toughest potential opponent]. I don't know how he will dance [to super middleweight to potentially fight Saul “Canelo” Alvarez]. I don't know how he can jump so much weight. I don't feel any way. It's not really [a mismatch] – Canelo started at 154, and Canelo really isn't a big guy.
BN: Is he the best fighter in the world?
JE: That's right.
BN: Cody Crawley is next…
JE: I'm just sitting here waiting. I am sitting here waiting until they let me “Go”. He is a good fighter. But I really don't care – I don't care who it is. I just want to fight in the ring – back in the ring; back to doing what I do best. I just want that fight to happen.
BN: Unlike Crawford and Spence, who do you see as your long-term opponents?
JE: That's Vergil Ortiz. I think he's moved up [to light middleweight]. He's trying to stay in the division, so I still say Vergil and I. I will definitely reach 154 [in future]sure.
