On social media today, Teofimo Lopez told Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis to hurry up and “agree to the terms” for a fight. Teo reminded Ennis that he’s a “Two-time lineal champion.” He’s trying to create value in himself so that the goal-oriented Boots will want to fight him. Thus far, Ennis hasn’t bitten, perhaps viewing Teofimo as desperate and money-hungry.
(Credit: Geoffrey Knott/Matchroom)
Fans See Mismatch
Lopez (22-1, 13 KOs) appears worried about the criticism the potential fight receives from fans, who view it as a mismatch and a simple money-grab.
With Ennis’ huge size advantage, it’s a fight with little chance of being competitive. People would rather see Boots move up to 154 and take on Vergil Ortiz Jr., Sebastian Fundora, or Bakhram Murtazaliev next.
Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn favors Boots’ fight with Teofimo, viewing it as a “winnable” one. He says they haven’t received any offers from Turki Alalshikh for the fight, but he’s “talking about it.” However, Hearn says if Ennis is having problems making weight for the 147-lb division, then “he may move to 154.”
Hearn seems to realize that it will take Ennis way too long to accomplish his goal of becoming the undisputed champion. The money that Hearn will need to offer WBO welterweight champion Brian Norman Jr. will likely be more than he’s willing to pay. And even if he does make that fight, getting WBC champion Mario Barrios to agree to a fight against Boots may be next to impossible.
Does Ennis wait around for Barrios to agree to fight him finally? I doubt it. Mario has a fight against Manny Pacquiao on July 19th. After that, he’ll surely wait for the popular fighters Conor Benn, Ryan Garcia, and Devin Haney to look in his direction. The WBC belt is Barrios’ fish bait to lure those fighters in. He won’t give it up to Boots for $2 million when he can make a considerable move fighting those guys.
No Turki Offers Yet
“Not really any offers, but we’re talking about it,” said promoter Eddie Hearn to Secondsout when asked if he’s received any offers from Turki Alalshikh for a fight between Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis and Teofimo Lopez. “I just think with Boots, it’s a case of whether he stays at 147. He really only wants to stay there to fight for more belts.”
Hearn wants the Lopez fight, but it’s questionable whether Ennis will agree to it. He knows it’s just a money fight, and it’s one that would be similar to his two fights against Karen Chukhadzhian. Teofimo is a runner when fighting good opposition, and he won’t be trying to exchange with Ennis.
“So, the Teofimo fight wasn’t really an option, but we quite like it because I think it’s a fight that he wins. I think it’s a high-profile fight, and if the money is good, I suggest he takes it. But if he doesn’t feel he can perform at his best at 147, then he may move to 154,” said Hearn.
They’re playing mind games on you; don’t listen to them and agree to the terms! #Boxing
I AM a two-time lineal champion, and beating me will make you a three-time lineal & history status. Come get that, easy work for you!!! @JaronEnnis 🎱🥊
— Teofimo Lopez (@TeofimoLopez) May 18, 2025
Last Updated on 05/18/2025
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