Ryan Garcia and Teofimo Lopez’s handlers have now entered into preliminary talks over a welterweight unification clash in 2027.Garcia (26-2) called for a fight with Lopez after blowing away Conor Benn inside two rounds earlier this month to retain his WBC 147lbs strap.Garcia made quick work of Benn and instantly set his sights on LopezGettyLopez (23-2) snatched the WBA’s version of the welterweight title from Rolly Romero in August, and had attempted to get into the ring to face off with Garcia, only to be denied entry by Zuffa’s security.‘King Ry’ initially declared that the bout was being eyed for Cinco De Mayo weekend (May 1) as part of a double header with WBA and WBO cruiserweight champion David Benavidez.However, when Garcia and Lopez’s representatives kicked off discussions last week, an earlier date was earmarked.According to boxing insider Chris Mannix, February 6 has been floated around as a possibility for the WBA and WBC title fight.He also reports that New York’s Madison Square Garden is up for consideration as a possible venue.A February date would surely make Garcia’s plan to return to the ring in December or January untenable. Keen not to sit on the sidelines for too long, Garcia told Ariel Helwani last week that he intends to fit a stay-busy fight in before the big one with Lopez.“I either want to get in the ring in December or January,” said Garcia.“I’m pretty sure I’m going to fight before [May]. There’s a lot of people out there.“You have got Pitbull Cruz; I wouldn’t mind fighting him.Lopez tried to get into the ring with Garcia, but he was held back by Zuffa security guardsGetty“You have Angel Fierro, who I sparred with for the Benn fight; I wouldn’t mind fighting him too.“I won’t call it a tune-up, but I don’t want to get off guard and wait till May to fight.“Why do I have to wait until May? I have no bruises; I have no hits to the head.“Why can’t I fight? I’m going to give the fans a little treat.”Isaac Cruz publicly accepted Garcia’s challenge after knocking out Nestor Bravo over the weekend.Garcia then took to social media on Sunday to reveal that he had given his attorney the go-ahead to send an offer to ‘Pitbull’s’ camp.Watch Boxing on DAZN*If you click a link in this boxout, we will earn affiliate revenueSign up to DAZN to access the definitive subscription for boxing fans.Upgrade to DAZN Ultimate from just £24.99/month, guaranteeing access to 185+ fights annually, a minimum of 12 pay-per-views at no extra cost, as well as every Lega Serie A match and other elite football access.Alternatively, DAZN Standard is just £15.99/month, with the caveat you will have to pay for pay-per-view events.Click here to sign up.