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.

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.