Ortiz Camp Says Control Is Blocking Ennis Fight Talks

Vergil Ortiz Jnr’s camp has pushed back sharply against the idea that negotiations for a fight with Jaron Ennis are finished, calling recent public comments premature and one sided.

Rick Mirigian, Ortiz’s manager, told Boxingscene on Tuesday that no deal collapsed because no full negotiation ever took place. He rejected the claim that Golden Boy had the authority to declare the fight dead or to dictate a 60 percent to 40 percent purse split in Ortiz’s favour.

Mirigian said he was never presented with a proper framework beyond a single figure, which he described as well below the level expected for a fight between two unbeaten contenders in their twenties. He added that a counteroffer was submitted late last year and dismissed without discussion.

Under Ortiz’s agreement with Golden Boy Promotions, Mirigian said the fighter is supposed to be given three opponent options before a bout is finalised. According to Mirigian, Ennis was the only name put forward. No alternatives followed. The numbers never changed.

That context matters because Jaron Ennis is not a routine defence or a tune up. Ortiz holds the WBC interim title at 154 pounds and has been positioned as one of the division’s future anchors. Ennis arrives as a recent unified champion from welterweight with a strong reputation and leverage of his own. Treating the fight as a take it or leave it proposal was always going to lead here.

Golden Boy chairman Oscar De La Hoya said Monday that he was moving on after Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn did not respond by an informal deadline. Mirigian said deadlines mean nothing when the other side has not been engaged directly.

He also disputed claims that a 55 percent to 45 percent split had ever been agreed in writing. Mirigian said his counteroffer was intentionally simple. A fixed guarantee for Ortiz. Let the remaining parties divide the upside however they choose.

Other names floated publicly as replacements only underline the issue. Sebastian Fundora is tied up with a planned defence. Errol Spence Jnr has not fought since mid 2023. None of that explains why the most competitive fight available at 154 pounds stalled at the opening number stage.

The wider business picture only adds tension. Golden Boy’s broadcast future is unclear beyond the next few weeks. Several shows are scheduled without clear long term backing. Against that backdrop, risking friction with Ortiz over a premium fight has left many observers confused.

Mirigian’s position remains unchanged. Ortiz wants the fight. His team is open to talks. The phone, he said, has not rung.

At this point, the obstacle is not willingness. It is control.