HAMBURG, Germany — News that pairing talks between Teofimo Lopez Jnr and Jaron “Boots” Ennis are underway has created a flurry of excitement.
Ennis is viewed as the most talented player at 147 pounds, while Lopez, 27, is undisputed at 135 and 140 pounds.
Both were looking for a big-name dance partner, which brought them together. It’s a game Carl Moretti would love to play and could take place as early as March.
“Yes, I do. I don’t know if it’s going to happen,” Top Rank vice president of boxing operations Moretti said. “It’s too early to say, but it’s an interesting game.
“Teofimo wants big names who are 135 years old— [Vasiliy] Lomachenko – you saw what he did there. He wants to be the biggest player at 140 and you saw what he did there. If boots could do it, [Lopez] I want a big name who is 47 years old. So we’ll see. “
After a lackluster fight with Jamaine Ortiz in early February, Lopez defeated Steve Claggett in lackluster fashion in June. Top Rank hopes the tough Clagett will bring out the best in Lopez, but Moretti said the idea of a challenge will motivate Lopez, 21-1 (13 KOs).
“More importantly, he wants to fight, he needs a challenge,” Moretti explained. “I don’t know how many guys at 140 he sees as a challenge, a threat. He sees Butz as the real world champion and the best in the division, so that’s going to get him ready to fight.”
Can Moretti confirm that negotiations with Ennis’ promoter Matchroom are ongoing?
Did the talks go well?
“We’re still talking.”
