De La Hoya Says Ortiz–Ennis Still on Track Despite Lawsuit

Oscar De La Hoya says plans for a welterweight fight between Vergil Ortiz Jr. and Jaron Ennis remain intact, even as Ortiz moves forward with a lawsuit seeking to void his promotional agreement with Golden Boy Promotions.

Speaking to Fight Hub TV, De La Hoya said the legal dispute would not derail efforts to finalize Ortiz vs Ennis, a bout Golden Boy has targeted for early 2026. He framed the lawsuit as outside interference rather than a breakdown in his working relationship with the fighter.

Ortiz filed suit earlier this week, arguing Golden Boy failed to provide fights and proper payment following the end of its exclusive broadcast arrangement with DAZN.

While the partnership had been unsettled since 2023, the complaint hinges on the fact that the DAZN deal formally expired on December 31, 2025, with no new long term agreement in place as of January 1. Ortiz’s legal team claims that the absence left Golden Boy unable to meet its contractual obligations.

De La Hoya rejected that interpretation and said responsibility lies with outside advisers he believes are influencing Ortiz and his father.

“I know Vergil appreciates Golden Boy and what we have done for him,” De La Hoya said. “I do not blame Vergil. I do not blame his father. I blame the vultures.”

The lawsuit also points to De La Hoya’s public disputes with Saudi boxing financier Turki Alalshikh, suggesting that friction with influential international figures limited Ortiz’s opportunities during a key period of his career. De La Hoya did not directly address Alalshikh by name in the interview but maintained that Golden Boy has acted in Ortiz’s best interests.

According to De La Hoya, the legal action does not change Golden Boy’s position on Ortiz’s next fight. He said Ortiz has made it clear he wants Ennis and that discussions involving Matchroom Boxing are still expected to move forward.

“It should not put any fight in jeopardy that Vergil wants,” De La Hoya said. “I am going to do what Vergil wants.”

At this stage, the promoter is signaling confidence, though the lawsuit and fight negotiations now run side by side, with little margin for delay.