The No. 1 goal for Jaron Ennis is to strip every 147-pound belt holder of their championship status.
Recently, the Philly star violently ripped away Eimantas Stanionis’ WBA strap. He was hoping to get his hands on either WBO titlist Brian Norman Jr., or WBC champion Mario Barrios. Neither of those fights, however, appears likely. Norman has a dinner date lined up with Jin Sasaki halfway across the world in Japan on June 19. Barrios, on the other hand, is likely to welcome back
Manny Pacquiao.With none of his targets seemingly available, the welterweight star may give another champion from another weight class a chance.
“We’re in negotiations for Jaron to fight Teofimo [Lopez]” Eddie Hearn revealed to FightHype.com. “It’s a helluva fight.”
Ennis (34-0, 30 KOs) may have a few belts in his possession, but there aren’t many fighters anxious to jump in the ring with him. Lopez though, sees something he can take advantage of.
The 27-year-old hasn’t always looked sharp, but as of late, you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone hotter.
When last seen,
Lopez (22-1, 13 KOs) was busy giving the New York fans a show. Arnold Barboza, his latest victim, could barely lay a finger on him during their May 2 showdown.
Once Lopez secured the victory, he called out Ennis, something he’s done on numerous occasions.
Hearn, Ennis’ promoter, likes the idea of the two matching up. Lopez may have a few quirks and inconsistencies, but when he’s on, he’s on. A showdown with Lopez would allow him an opportunity to secure the first defense of his unified throne.
Talks are a bit too early to feel confident, but Hearn is doing his best behind the scenes to make things happen. In terms of when and where the two could get it on, Hearn has a vague idea of the date and location.
“There’s a date in August that we could be looking at in Saudi Arabia.”