Bob Arum Wants to Make Teofimo Lopez vs. Boots Ennis Happen

Boxing fans are buzzing with excitement as Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum pushes for a big fight between two of the sport’s brightest stars: Teofimo Lopez and Jaron “Boots” Ennis. Both fighters are on the rise, and this matchup could be a game-changer in the welterweight division. Let’s break down why this fight makes perfect sense and what it could mean for both boxers and their fans.

Why This Fight Is a No-Brainer

Bob Arum recently told BoxingScene, “That’s the fight we want, and I believe we can make it happen.” It’s a statement that many boxing fans can get behind. Teofimo Lopez (21-1, 13 KOs) is the WBO 140-pound champion, and he’s ready to step up and face unbeaten IBF welterweight champion Jaron “Boots” Ennis (33-0, 29 KOs). Not only would this be a clash of champions, but both fighters hail from the East Coast, which adds an extra layer of excitement to the matchup.

Lopez has been vocal about wanting to fight top-level opponents, mentioning names like Terence Crawford and Devin Haney in the past. After a year filled with less exciting fights, a showdown with Ennis would not only provide Lopez with a significant payday but also a chance to prove himself against one of the sport’s hottest talents.

Boots Ennis: Ready to Shine

For Jaron Ennis, the call for a fight against Lopez comes at a crucial time in his career. Known for his knockout power and slick boxing skills, the 27-year-old Ennis is eager to prove he belongs among the elite in the welterweight division. Recently, he turned down a lucrative offer to fight Vergil Ortiz Jr. at 154 pounds, opting to focus on making a name for himself at 147 pounds instead.

Taking on Lopez would give Ennis the chance to showcase his talent on a massive stage. A win over Lopez would not only enhance his reputation but also solidify his status as a top contender in a division that’s been missing star power since Terence Crawford unified the titles back in July 2023. The excitement is building, and both fighters are keen to make this matchup happen.

The Money Factor

While the desire for this fight is strong, the financial side is critical to making it a reality. Bob Arum has stated that discussions are underway with Ennis’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, to secure the necessary funding. They aim to host this highly anticipated fight as a joint pay-per-view event on both ESPN and DAZN, maximizing the audience and revenue for both fighters.

“There’s a strong possibility we can work something out,” Arum said, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between Top Rank and Hearn’s team. However, Lopez’s camp has raised concerns about whether Top Rank can deliver the financial backing needed for such a high-profile bout. Lopez has been frustrated with less lucrative fights recently and is eager for a big payday against a worthy opponent.