Vergil Ortiz’s potential clash with Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis has been dealt a major blow as Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions has been hit with a lawsuit.
The unbeaten super-welterweight duo had been in line to lock horns in an intriguing clash this year, but the bout now looks seriously unlikely.
Ortiz, who is currently promoted by former six-weight world champion De La Hoya of Golden Boy Promotions, made his long-awaited return to action in November when he stopped countryman Erickson Lubin in the 8th round of their bout at the Dickies Arena in Fort Worth.
Shortly after Ortiz was declared the winner, the 27-year-old had an intense face-off with former unified WBA and IBF welterweight champion ‘Boots’ Ennis, who has expressed an interest in facing his countryman next.
Whilst it had been reported that the duo were in negotiations for a potential match-up, it has now been revealed that a lawsuit has been filed on Ortiz’s behalf in an effort to be released from his contract, as first reported by the Ring Magazine.
The detailed 32-page lawsuit claims that De La Hoya is a ‘controversial and divisive figure in boxing.’ It also highlights the end of the promotional outfit’s broadcast partnership with DAZN as a reason for the contract to be void.
In a statement, Golden Boy said:
“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.”
