Vergil Ortiz Jr. Declares Golden Boy Exit As Legal Fight Begins

Unbeaten contender says promotional relationship is over as arbitration determines his contract status

Vergil Ortiz Jr. says his relationship with Golden Boy Promotions is finished even as the contract dispute between both sides moves toward arbitration and a court appeal. The unbeaten contender had been linked to a fight with Jaron “Boots” Ennis before the legal disagreement halted negotiations.

The unbeaten contender posted on social media that a judge did not rule in his favor regarding a planned fight, which he said is currently blocked.

“Although the judge didn’t see it our way and the fight is blocked for now, my team and I will be moving on to arbitration and to the court appeal,” Ortiz said on X. “My time with Goldenboy is done. I am confident that my right to move on to other opportunities will be upheld.”

The disagreement involves Ortiz’s promotional agreement with Golden Boy Promotions, the company founded by Oscar De La Hoya. A recent ruling granted Golden Boy’s request to send the dispute to arbitration, a process that will determine whether Ortiz is free to pursue fights without the promoter’s involvement.

The arbitration process is expected to be completed by early September, setting the likely timetable for when the dispute could be resolved and when Ortiz might return to the ring.

Ortiz’s camp has argued that terms within the agreement allow his team to explore alternative fight opportunities, a point that now sits at the center of the arbitration process.

Ortiz also indicated that his preparation in the gym will continue while the legal process moves forward.

“As always, I’m in the gym staying ready,” Vergil Jr. said. “ANY 154 champion should do the same. It’s only a matter of time.”

The message drew mixed reactions from boxing fans on social media. Some supported Ortiz and criticized Golden Boy’s stance, while others suggested the dispute should be resolved privately rather than through public posts.

Vergil Jr. (21-0, 21 KOs) has recently pointed toward the junior middleweight division as the place where he wants to pursue future title opportunities.

For now, his immediate future in the ring remains tied to the outcome of the arbitration process and the court appeal connected to his promotional contract.