Talks are ‘absolutely’ underway to match Teofimo Lopez Jnr with Jaron Ennis

HAMBURG, Germany – The news that talks were underway to pair Teofimo Lopez Jnr and Jaron “Boots” Ennis created a surge of excitement.

Ennis is seen as the best talent at 147lbs, while the 27-year-old Lopez has been undisputed at 135 and 140.

Both are looking for big-name dance partners, and that has taken them to each other. It’s a fight Carl Moretti likes, and it could happen as early as March.

“Yeah, I do. I don’t know if it will happen,” said Moretti, Top Rank’s vice president of boxing operations. “It’s too early to tell, but it’s an interesting fight.

“Teofimo wanted the biggest name at 135 – [Vasiliy] Lomachenko – and you saw what he did there. He wanted the biggest name at 140, and you saw what he did there. If Boots will do it, [Lopez] wants the biggest name at 47. So we’ll see.”

After a dull fight with Jamaine Ortiz earlier in February, Lopez posted a listless victory over Steve Claggett in June. Top Rank hoped the tough Claggett would bring out the best in Lopez, but Moretti said it’s the idea of a challenge that will inspire the 21-1 (13 KOs) Lopez.

“It’s more so he wants to be up for fights, he needs a challenge,” Moretti explained. “I don’t know how many guys at 140 he considers a challenge, a threat. He views Boots as a true world champion and the best in the division, so that will get him up for the fight.”

Could Moretti confirm that talks with Matchroom, Ennis’ promoter, are underway?

Were the talks going well?

“We’re still talking.”