Full Breakdown
Oscar De La Hoya Supports Jaron Ennis vs. Vergil Ortiz Fight Amid Legal Disputes
1/24/2026, 8:03:30 PM
Promoter's Shift in Stance
Oscar De La Hoya, the promoter for Vergil Ortiz Jr. under Golden Boy Promotions, has recently expressed his support for a highly anticipated boxing match between Jaron "Boots" Ennis and Ortiz. This comes after De La Hoya previously downplayed the fight's significance and faced a lawsuit from Ortiz regarding his promotional contract. During a press conference for the upcoming fight between Mario Barrios and Ryan Garcia, De La Hoya stated that he is eager to facilitate the matchup, which he now acknowledges as one that fans want to see. He characterized his earlier comments as strategic posturing for negotiation purposes.
Legal Hurdles and Future Prospects
The ongoing legal battle between Ortiz and Golden Boy Promotions is a significant barrier to the fight's realization. Ortiz has filed a lawsuit against De La Hoya, claiming that his contract is obstructing his ability to secure lucrative fights, including the one with Ennis. Despite this, both trainers for Ennis and Ortiz, Robert Garcia and Derek "Bozy" Ennis, respectively, remain optimistic about the fight occurring in 2026. They believe that once Ortiz resolves his legal issues, the bout can be arranged. Garcia noted that Eddie Hearn, Ennis' promoter, is already looking at potential fight dates.
Official Statements & Responses
De La Hoya emphasized the importance of making the fight happen, stating, "My #1 job is to make fights... I understand that Vergil Ortiz deserves the bigger half of the pie because of the resume." He also acknowledged the complexities involved in the negotiations, particularly due to the ongoing litigation. Meanwhile, Ortiz's trainers expressed confidence that the fight will take place later this year, contingent on the resolution of Ortiz's lawsuit.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite De La Hoya's current enthusiasm, skepticism remains regarding the feasibility of the fight. Critics point to the ongoing legal disputes as a significant obstacle that could delay or derail negotiations. Ortiz's lawsuit against Golden Boy is seen as a critical factor that could prolong the timeline for the fight, with some suggesting that it may take over a year to resolve.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The fight will happen, it will happen this year.” — Robert Garcia, Trainer for Vergil Ortiz Jr.
- “ Bozy Ennis agreed that he "knows" the fight will happen once Ortiz's situation clears.” — Derek "Bozy" Ennis, Trainer for Jaron Ennis
What's Next
As negotiations continue, the boxing community is closely monitoring the developments surrounding Ortiz's lawsuit and the potential for the Ennis vs. Ortiz fight. Both promoters and trainers are hopeful that a resolution will allow for this significant matchup to take place, potentially revitalizing interest in the welterweight division.
