Vergil Ortiz Jr Sues Promoter Over Stalled Ennis Fight and Broken Contract
The unbeaten junior middleweight champion has filed a federal lawsuit against Golden Boy Promotions, alleging that the promoter breached their contract and interfered with his earning potential. Ortiz claims that Golden Boy's stalled negotiations for a fight against Jaron 'Boots' Ennis have caused him significant harm, particularly during his prime years.
According to the complaint, Ortiz formally terminated his promotional agreement in January following the expiration of Dazn's broadcast partnership deal. However, Golden Boy disputes this claim, arguing that it remains under contract as they are actively negotiating a renewal covering 2026 and 2027. Ortiz maintains that these negotiations do not constitute a binding agreement, citing the need for a completed deal.
The lawsuit also alleges that Golden Boy interfered with Ortiz's ability to negotiate independently with other promoters by not presenting him with three opponent options before proposing Ennis. Furthermore, Ortiz claims that Golden Boy failed to disclose written documents generated during meetings involving Dazn and Matchroom Boxing, which related to the Ennis fight.
Golden Boy has responded by stating that they intend to defend the lawsuit and enforce their rights. The promoter maintains that Ortiz's claims are baseless and that Vergil is receiving bad advice from his lawyer and manager.
Ortiz is seeking unspecified damages for breach of contract, as well as compensatory and punitive damages. This lawsuit adds Ortiz to a growing list of elite fighters who have taken Golden Boy to court over contractual disputes, including Canelo Γlvarez.
The Ennis fight has been widely anticipated, with both fighters holding interim championships at 154lb. The unification bout is seen as a prime opportunity for Ortiz and would have undoubtedly generated significant revenue. As the lawsuit unfolds, it remains to be seen how this dispute will be resolved and whether Golden Boy's involvement in the negotiations will change.
The unbeaten junior middleweight champion has filed a federal lawsuit against Golden Boy Promotions, alleging that the promoter breached their contract and interfered with his earning potential. Ortiz claims that Golden Boy's stalled negotiations for a fight against Jaron 'Boots' Ennis have caused him significant harm, particularly during his prime years.
According to the complaint, Ortiz formally terminated his promotional agreement in January following the expiration of Dazn's broadcast partnership deal. However, Golden Boy disputes this claim, arguing that it remains under contract as they are actively negotiating a renewal covering 2026 and 2027. Ortiz maintains that these negotiations do not constitute a binding agreement, citing the need for a completed deal.
The lawsuit also alleges that Golden Boy interfered with Ortiz's ability to negotiate independently with other promoters by not presenting him with three opponent options before proposing Ennis. Furthermore, Ortiz claims that Golden Boy failed to disclose written documents generated during meetings involving Dazn and Matchroom Boxing, which related to the Ennis fight.
Golden Boy has responded by stating that they intend to defend the lawsuit and enforce their rights. The promoter maintains that Ortiz's claims are baseless and that Vergil is receiving bad advice from his lawyer and manager.
Ortiz is seeking unspecified damages for breach of contract, as well as compensatory and punitive damages. This lawsuit adds Ortiz to a growing list of elite fighters who have taken Golden Boy to court over contractual disputes, including Canelo Γlvarez.
The Ennis fight has been widely anticipated, with both fighters holding interim championships at 154lb. The unification bout is seen as a prime opportunity for Ortiz and would have undoubtedly generated significant revenue. As the lawsuit unfolds, it remains to be seen how this dispute will be resolved and whether Golden Boy's involvement in the negotiations will change.