2 weeks Ago
Teofimo Lopez (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) Boxing's welterweight division is in need of a spark, and Teofimo Lopez Jr. (21-1, 13 KOs) might be the one to provide it. According to multiple reports, corroborated by Lopez's social media activity , the reigning Ring Magazine and WBO junior welterweight champion is in discussions to face IBF welterweight champion Jaron "Boots" Ennis (33-0, 29 KOs).
The fight would be co-promoted by Top Rank and Matchroom Boxing. If finalized, the fight is expected to be a pay-per-view event jointly broadcast by ESPN and DAZN. Ennis was previously rumored to be moving up to 154 pounds following his victory over Karen Chukhadzhian in November.
At one point, he was anticipated to participate in the February 22 card in Saudi Arabia, potentially facing Vergil Ortiz Jr. at super welterweight. However, Ennis and his promoter, Eddie Hearn, have decided to keep his immediate future at welterweight.
At 147 pounds, Ennis's options are limited. WBA champion Eimantas Stanionis has agreed to fight Shakhram Giyasov, WBO champion Brian Norman Jr. is reportedly set to defend his title against Derrick Cuevas, and Conor Benn and Manny Pacquiao are focusing on WBC champion Mario Barrios.
With the other champions occupied, Lopez emerges as Ennis's most viable opponent. "That's the fight that we want," Lopez's promoter, Top Rank's Bob Arum, told Boxing Scene regarding Lopez-Ennis. "And I believe we can make it happen.
" FBI Warns iPhone, Android Users—Change WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Signal Apps What We Know About Luigi Mangione: Suspected UnitedHealthcare Shooter Yells While Entering Court UFC Champion Plans To Vacate Title And Move Up A Weight Class Similarly, Ennis represents the best option for Lopez to secure a high-profile fight. Lopez mentioned that he extended a lucrative offer to Devin Haney, which was declined. Consequently, he has turned his attention to Ennis, which would involve moving up to 147 pounds.
Lopez could remain at 140 pounds and pursue unification against newly crowned IBF champion Richardson Hitchins, who defeated Liam Paro recently in Puerto Rico. Hitchins called out Lopez post-fight, proposing an all-New York unification bout. While this is a possibility, Ennis boasts a higher profile and might be perceived as vulnerable following a less-than-stellar performance against Chukhadzhian.
Hitchins may lack significant punching power, but he is recognized as one of the most technically proficient fighters in the sport, with long reach, excellent footwork, and an effective jab.. We’ll see if Boots-Teofimo becomes official and where on the calendar it lands in 2025.
Elsewhere in Boxing: Eddie Hearn Says Taylor-Serrano III is the Obvious Fight to Make MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 26: Eddie Hearn Chairman of Matchroom during an event announcing the ...
[+] professional promotion deal of boxer Pat Brown with Matchroom Boxing on October 26, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Mark Robinson/Matchroom Boxing/Getty Images) Decisions makers in boxing are quick to put their beefs aside when it is time to do business–especially if there is enough money to be made. Despite documented issues with Nakisa Bidarian and MVP Promotions, Hearn is very interested in making a third fight between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano after their rematch was the sleeper hit of the Jake Paul vs.
Mike Tyson even on Netflix in November. “I thought it was an amazing event,” Hearn said in a Fight Hype video . “Like, you know, I have my differences with Nakisa [Bidarian] and MVP, and I’ve told them personally and in all interviews, the event was incredible.
The viewership was incredible. What it did for boxing, specifically in terms of the names on the undercard, was incredible. Katie Taylor has become one of the biggest stars in combat sports through the audience on Netflix that night.
And I know that for a lot of people on the card, it gave them a huge profile. So, you know, that viewership and that reach are good for boxing. And, uh, we’ll see what they do next.
For me, I think Taylor-Serrano III is the obvious fight to make. And, you know, when they step in the ring, they’re going to give us a war every time. So, we’ll see what happens, but don’t be surprised to see Katie against Amanda in late spring or summer of 2025.
” We will not be surprised in the least bit..
