Vergil Ortiz Jr. is nearing a fight with Keith Thurman, a matchup that offers a recognizable name and another payday but little explanation of where Vergil belongs among the best at 154.
Oscar De La Hoya says negotiations are being finalized, with December 12 targeted for an appearance on David Benavidez’s Arizona card. The agreement isn’t complete, but Golden Boy appears to have found its alternative to Jaron Ennis.
“There’s been rumors about Keith Thurman. So, we’re finalizing that deal there, and hopefully we can have him on the Benavidez card in December,” De La Hoya told The Ariel Helwani Show.
Thurman, 37, is coming off a stoppage loss to Sebastian Fundora. That makes him an awkward opponent for a fighter trying to establish himself at the top of the division. Vergil would be facing someone whose latest attempt to compete at championship level ended inside the distance.
The business logic is easier to understand. Thurman retains a familiar name from his welterweight championship years. That gives promoters something to advertise without needing to introduce an unfamiliar contender. His reputation can help sell the matchup even if his recent results offer much less reason to expect a competitive fight.
De La Hoya’s explanation for the stalled Ennis negotiations also helps explain the choice. He cited money, back-and-forth discussions and outside involvement without identifying those involved. Thurman appears to offer a route to getting Vergil back into the ring while that more demanding negotiation remains unresolved.
Activity has value, but the sporting reward here looks limited. If Vergil stops Thurman, Fundora has already done it. A victory would add a former champion to his record without answering the questions an Ennis fight would address.
Oscar insists the best must fight the best. Finalizing Thurman makes that promise harder to sell. Vergil gets another event and a paycheck; the opponent who could substantially strengthen his claim to being the division’s best remains somewhere beyond it.
