Teofimo Lopez vs Subriel Matias targeted for March 15

Teofimo Lopez is said to be on the verge of a March 15 fight with Subriel Matias

Teofimo Lopez had been actively pursuing a fight against welterweight titleholder Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis, but ESPN now reports he’s in the midst of cementing a deal to defend his 140 lb WBO title against former IBF titleholder Subriel Matias. The fight is being targeted for March 15 to headline an ESPN+ PPV event.

Lopez (21-1, 13 KOs) has one five straight fights since losing to George Kambosos in 2021, but that includes wins over Sandor Martin and Jamaine Ortiz which weren’t exactly dominant performances. Lopez most recently won a wide unanimous decision against unheralded Steve Claggett this past June.

Meanwhile Matias (21-2, 21 KOs) had a terminator-like reputation in the 140 lb division, right up until he lost his belt to Liam Paro in a fight he was a considerable favorite to win. That proved to be major setback for Matias, who since stepped down in competition to take a stoppage win over Roberto Ramirez in November.

If this fight gets across the finish line it’ll be one that sure to feature a lot of action, but it’s questionable how well it will serve as a PPV headliner now that Matias’ reputation isn’t what it was just six months ago.