October in Riyadh: Ennis Vs. Teofimo, Ryan Vs. hey 2! Turkey Championship Deadline Scheduled for February
Turki Al-Sheikh revealed tonight on X his plans for a mini-tournament featuring Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis against Teofimo Lopez on the Ryan Garcia vs. Devin Haney 2 October in Riyadh. The winners of these two fights will face each other in February, while the losers will meet on the same card.
Turki’s Tournament
Turki says he still has to talk to Matchroom, Golden Boy Promotions, and PBC to let them know about his plans to use their fights.
It is difficult for Teofimo Lopez (21-1, 13 KOs) to move up to 147 pounds to take on what many fans believe is the King of the welterweight belt, IBF champion Jaron Ennis.
Almost Wars In February
- Jaron Ennis vs. Ryan Garcia – *Winners Bracket
- Devin Haney vs. Teofimo Lopez – Comfort for the lost
Lopez’s striking power gives him a good chance to defeat Haney. At 147, Ennis will likely be much bigger, stronger, and more experienced than Ryan.
Of course, Teofimo wants to fight Ennis because it gives him a big payday and a chance to prove himself against an elite-level fighter. As long as Teo competes in a losing effort, his stock will rise because he is now focused on 140, suffering in the deadweight division, and fighting unknown opposition.
If you look at the matchups, it’s a good situation for IBF welterweight champion Boot Ennis because he has a good chance to be the last man. He will be the heavy favorite to defeat Teofimo in October and then defeat the winner of Garcia vs. Haney 2. Ennis will have a size and experience advantage at 147 against any of the fighters in Turkey’s proposed mini-tournament.
Ryan fights Isaac ‘Pitbull’ Cruz in May, and Haney fights Jose Ramirez on the same card in Times Square in New York. In these fights, there are no fights between Ryan and Haney, but it doesn’t seem to matter that they are losing. Turki hasn’t said anything about Cruz or Ramirez having a chance to fight on his October card, but you have to believe he’ll use them later in one of his events.
Turki’s view
easy…a fight in May then a big rematch in October and on the same card we will try Teo vs BOOTS and the winner vs the winner and the loser vs the loser in February…we need to talk to our partners on a high level with the matchroom and goldenboy and PBC 🥊🔥
– TURKI ALALSHIKH (@Turki_alalshikh) January 18, 2025
