Teofimo Lopez had been actively pursuing a battle towards welterweight titleholder Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis, however ESPN now studies he’s within the midst of cementing a deal to defend his 140 lb WBO title towards former IBF titleholder Subriel Matias. The battle is being focused for March 15 to headline an ESPN+ PPV occasion.
Lopez (21-1, 13 KOs) has one 5 straight fights since dropping to George Kambosos in 2021, however that features wins over Sandor Martin and Jamaine Ortiz which weren’t precisely dominant performances. Lopez most lately received a large unanimous determination towards unheralded Steve Claggett this previous June.
In the meantime Matias (21-2, 21 KOs) had a terminator-like popularity within the 140 lb division, proper up till he misplaced his belt to Liam Paro in a battle he was a substantial favourite to win. That proved to be main setback for Matias, who since stepped down in competitors to take a stoppage win over Roberto Ramirez in November.
If this battle will get throughout the end line it’ll be one which positive to function a variety of motion, nevertheless it’s questionable how properly it’ll function a PPV headliner now that Matias’ popularity isn’t what it was simply six months in the past.