After anticipation, expectation and then litigation, hope of seeing Jaron Ennis fight Vergil Ortiz Jr anytime soon has seemingly ended, but despite that disappointment, ‘Boots’ may well end up challenging for world honours in a replacement fight.
Ennis and Ortiz have been linked to a showdown for years now, but in recent months it seemed as though the super-welterweight rivals would finally go toe-to-toe, in one of the most in-demand clashes of 2026.
Then, Ortiz filed a lawsuit against his own promoter, Oscar De La Hoya and Golden Boy Promotions, in order to get out of his contract and proceed with the Ennis fight as part of a multi-fight deal with Matchroom Boxing.
Last month, Golden Boy were granted a temporary restraining order against Ortiz, restricting his ability to negotiate with other promoters and fight Ennis. That legal battle has now been sent to arbitration, with the arbitrator ordered to settle the matter by September 2.
As a result, Ortiz’s career has been put on hold, whilst Ennis has been forced to look for a short-notice fight, having been preparing for a proposed April 18 fight date.
IBF super-welterweight world champion Josh Kelly seems to be one option for the Philadelphia phenomenon, but unified WBA and WBO titleholder, Xander Zayas, told Brendan Tobin that he would also be willing to face Ennis next.
“We are seeing what is happening with Vergil and Boots, if they are going to make the fight happen. If not, are any of those guys going to be available for the date that I have set, that is what it comes down to.”
Zayas has previously confirmed that he has already agreed a fight date, venue and broadcaster for an event on home soil in Puerto Rico. In order for a fight with Boots to take place, those plans may need to be ditched.
