Boxing’s welterweight division needs a spark. Perhaps Teofimo Lopez can provide it. The 140-pound champion is closing in on a deal to move up and challenge for the title.

While Teofimo Lopez and Jaron Ennis explore a Spring 2025 matchup, fights to determine their next mandatory challengers have also been agreed upon.

Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum told BoxingScene he’s aiming to stage a welterweight title fight between his two-division and current WBO 140-pound champion Teofimo Lopez and unbeaten IBF welterweight champion Jaron “Boots” Ennis.

Top Rank promoter Bob Arum has revealed that Matchroom chief Eddie Hearn has been approached about making the fight, which would be a joint DAZN and ESPN PPV. Ennis was last in action in November, when he defended his belt with an underwhelming points victory over Karen Chukhadzhian to extend his unbeaten record to 33-0.

When Jaron "Boots" Ennis turned down a much-anticipated fight with Vergil Ortiz Jr. because it would involve moving up to super welterweight, Ennis' promoter, Matchroom Boxing's Eddie Hearn, promised the IBF welterweight champion will land in a big fight at welterweight next instead.

Teofimo Lopez Jnr and Jaron Ennis are looking for big-name dance partners, and that has taken them to each other. It's a fight Top Rank's Carl Moretti likes, and it could happen as early as March.