Oscar De La Hoya has initiated negotiations for a junior middleweight clash between Vergil Ortiz Jr. and unified champion Jaron Ennis, conceding that Ennis warrants the larger financial split to ensure the bout takes place.
Golden Boy Promotions is moving rapidly to arrange terms between two premier fighters in the 154-pound division. Promoters frequently spend weeks debating purse allocations, often delaying fight contracts before meaningful discussions can take place. By publicly conceding the larger percentage of revenue to Ennis, De La Hoya aims to eliminate primary financial roadblocks early in the negotiation process.
De La Hoya confirmed that direct outreach to Ennis’s team has commenced. He stated: “The talks will start right now after I have this call with you. I am picking up the phone, and we are starting the talks,”
The proposed matchup brings together two undefeated top-tier fighters in a major junior middleweight contest.
Ennis holds a unified championship at 154 pounds, giving his camp substantial leverage during purse negotiations. Ortiz continues to build his standing in the weight class, establishing himself as a key figure in the division. De La Hoya acknowledged Ennis’s championship status while maintaining that both athletes deserve a balanced agreement for a high-profile matchup.
He added: “And I am telling you, that is the fight we want 1,000%. And I know Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis deserves the lion’s share of the pie. We know that. It is fine. Let us just make sure that it is fair for both sides because Vergil Ortiz deserves it. He is a great champion. And obviously this is a great champion.”
Securing an agreement would clear the path toward a defining contest in the junior middleweight division. Golden Boy Promotions prioritizing the event over financial posture suggests a strong commitment to finalizing terms. Should negotiations progress without standard promotional friction, both camps will look to sign contracts and establish a target date for the bout.
