The collapse of the eagerly-anticipated clash between Jaron Ennis and Vergil Ortiz Jr has opened the door for a former world champion.
Ennis and Ortiz were expected to meet in March in a super welterweight showdown.
However, the fight seems to have been put on the back-burner after Ortiz sued Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions on Thursday.
The lawsuit alleges breach of contract and interference with earnings, centred around the failed negotiations for a bout with Ennis.
Ortiz argues that his promotional agreement enabled him to leave De La Hoya’s company if they lost their deal with DAZN, which reportedly ended on December 31.
Golden Boy claims that the Texan remains under their promotional banner.
A statement read: “We are aware of the lawsuit. Unfortunately, Vergil is getting bad advice from his lawyer and manager who have repeatedly violated the contract.
“We will aggressively defend this lawsuit and enforce our rights.
“We are confident a judge will agree that our contract is valid and Vergil and his team are in breach.”
With an Ennis-Ortiz meeting now looking increasingly unlikely, former undisputed champion, Jermell Charlo has called out both men.
The 35-year-old has not fought since a unanimous decision loss to Canelo Alvarez in September 2023 in a failed bid for the undisputed super middleweight crown.
“Boxing is not a team sport. So the next move is always the best move,” Charlo posted on X.
“Idk wtf they fussing about.. but I’ve always heard you doing something right when the other team start to feud.
“154 is the most overlooked division.
“I’ll fix the problem, send me contact ODH [Oscar De La Hoya] or [Ennis’ promoter] Eddie [Hearn].”
Ennis called out Charlo after his first round knockout of Uisma Lima in October.
The pair exchanged words with both men ringside for Ortiz’s stoppage victory over Erickson Lubin in November, before ‘Boots’ entered the ring to face off with Ortiz.
Despite this, Hearn told Pro Boxing Fans in October he was doubtful whether he’d be able to come to an agreement with Charlo.
“I like the fight I just don’t think he’ll take it.
“These guys they just price themselves out straight away.”
