A showdown between world champions Teofimo Lopez and Jaron Ennis could be on the horizon.
Lopez made the most recent defence of his WBO super-lightweight title against mandatory challenger Arnold Barboza Jr on May 2, outpointing the previously undefeated contender over twelve rounds at Times Square in New York City to keep a hold of his crown.
Weeks before, ‘Boots’ Ennis unified the WBA and IBF welterweight titles with a dominant victory over Eimantas Stanionis at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, stopping the tough Lithuanian in the sixth round of their unification showdown to extend his unbeaten record.
As a bout between Lopez and Ennis looks to be in the sights of both fighters, with Teo making it clear he wants to move up a division, legendary promoter Bob Arum has had his say on the intriguing match-up.
Speaking to Fight Hub TV, Arum gave an honest assessment of Lopez’ chances against ‘Boots’, who has emerged as one of the brightest talents in boxing over recent years.
“I think [Lopez] is very much an underdog. But that’s why they do the fights … Teofimo is for the money, and you can’t blame him. So his next fight will be for the biggest money fight for him, which is probably Ennis.”
Lopez may opt to pursue a unification showdown of his own at 140lbs before moving up in weight. The 27-year-old previously held the unified titles at lightweight, and could look to repeat this feat in the super-lightweight division over the upcoming 12 to 18 months as ‘Boots’ does the same at welterweight.
Regardless, with Riyadh Season’s Turki Alalshikh expressing interest in the fight, it is likely to happen sooner rather than later.
