The ongoing drama between super welterweight boxing superstar Vergil Ortiz and his long-time promoter Golden Boy Promotions reached a new nadir Wednesday when the fighter announced he was “done” with Oscar de la Hoya’s fight firm, effectively confirming an imminent divorce from the Los Angeles-based company.
Ortiz filed a lawsuit in Nevada seeking to void his agreement, arguing Golden Boy breached the deal and hindered major fights — specifically a proposed bout with Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis who is his emergent rival. The fight would be one of the most meaningful that the sport of boxing could book. Golden Boy responded with legal action to enforce the contract.
In early March, Nevada District Judge Cristina Silva ruled in Golden Boy’s favor, granting the promotion’s request to compel arbitration and issuing interim relief preventing Ortiz and his manager from negotiating with other promoters while the dispute is resolved. This, amid an apparent three-fight offer from rival promoter, Matchroom, worth between $12 million and $20 million which includes a fight vs Matchroom fighter Ennis.
The case will now proceed to arbitration, meaning Ortiz remains effectively tied to Golden Boy for the time being, possibly hindering Ortiz vs Ennis happening, at least for now.
“Although the judge didn’t see it our way and the fight is blocked for now, my team and I will be moving on to arbitration and to the court appeal,” Ortiz said on X.
“My time with Goldenboy is done.”
He continued: “I am confident that my right to move on to other opportunities will be upheld. As always, I’m in the gym staying ready – ANY 154 champion should do the same. It’s only a matter of time.”
According to the court document that Boxing Social has seen, Ortiz was granted the right to terminate his contract if Golden Boy’s distribution relationship with DAZN ended, however, there’s a loophole that shows if Golden Boy had an “agreement in principle” or had “agreed on all material terms” with an alternative broadcaster.
The conflict stems from Golden Boy’s deal with DAZN expiring on December 31, 2025 and so Ortiz attempted to terminate his relationship with the promoter on January 8. Golden Boy countered, though, that they had agreed material terms for a deal through 2026 and 2027, which thus blocked his intended exit.
The court ordered both parties to provide a status update on the arbitration proceedings by September 2, 2026 or within five days of a decision, whichever comes first.
The case continues.
MUST READ:
