The proposed super-welterweight battle between Jaron Ennis and Vergil Ortiz Jr has been given a positive boost about taking place.
Ennis and Ortiz have been on a collision course for the best part of a year, ever since ‘Boots’ stepped up to 154lbs after unifying the welterweight division.
Issues between Ortiz and his promoter Oscar De La Hoya meant that the bout couldn’t materialise, with Ennis instead taking on Xander Zayas last month, claiming a seventh round stoppage victory to become WBA and WBO super-welterweight champion.
That has led to renewed optimism that a clash against Ortiz could come next, and according to Ortiz’s trainer Robert Garcia, they believe the bout to be a ‘done deal’ on their side.
Speaking to BoxingScene, Garcia explained how they are more than happy to head straight into the match-up with ‘Boots’ next.
“The fight is very close. Eric Gomez, Vergil Senior, Rick Mirigian, they all came to me and asked me what I think about the fight, I said ‘let’s do it.’ There is no need to wait for that fight, there’s no need to get a fight before that. A lot of people may think Vergil needs a fight before that, no he doesn’t.
“Vergil fought less than a year ago. There’s world champions right now that fight once a year or once every 18 months and nobody says they’re out of timing because of the delay. Vergil fought less than a year ago and people seem to forget his performance against Madrimov. Vergil is active and busy.
“The fight will happen, the only thing that could stop the fight is if Boots decides not to fight, but the fight on our side, like I told you guys… I said let’s do it. There’s no question or no doubt that Vergil wins this fight, on our side it’s a done deal.”
Ortiz fought twice in 2025, defeating Israil Madrimov by unanimous decision at the start of the year before a second round TKO win over Erickson Lubin in November, and if a fight against Ennis is indeed next, it will be a must-see event for boxing fans.
