Super-welterweight contender Vergil Ortiz Jr has responded to announcement that Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis has signed to fight him in 2026.
Ortiz currently reigns as the WBC interim super-welterweight champion, a title he has held since August 2024 when he defeated Serhii Bohachuk in a close fight and the first time he went the distance after winning all 201 of his first fights by KO.
He made the first defence of his crown earlier this year, outpointing Israil Madrimov over 12 rounds in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, setting him up for more big nights under the lights.
Matchroom’s Eddie Hearn, who currently promotes ‘Boots’ Ennis, revealed in an interview with iFL TV that the former unified welterweight champion has signed to face Ortiz Jr during the early stages of 2026.
“He wants to move up and have a real solid good fight, and then he will fight absolutely anyone. Jaron Ennis in his deal with us, in his extension, part of his deal is that he’s signed to fight Vergil Ortiz.
“When we sat in the office with Golden Boy and DAZN about three weeks ago, not signed from their side as well, but everything discussed and agreed, Jaron has actually signed a contract form to fight Vergil Ortiz, done.”
However, despite Ennis’ signature, the fight remains up in the air as Ortiz’ father revealed on social media that he hasn’t heard ‘anything’, claiming there have been ‘no talks’ between their respective teams.
I didn’t know Eddie Hearn was vergils mgr and told Vergil when he fights. I haven’t heard anything and it’s not a hey Vergil you fight my guy when I want. That shit has sailed twice. Vergil is on his own path no matter WHO ANYONE SAYS. No waiting for anyone anymore . https://t.co/QTMQjq0F2u
— Vergil Ortiz (@VergilOrtizSr) August 8, 2025
Actually no talks. Imagine me being your promoter Danny and saying ok me and you agree you fight a guy name Jason in January. Mean while Jason has no idea or clue / knowledge what’s he’s talking about 😂 but the ball is in his court because we say so 😂😂😂
— Vergil Ortiz (@VergilOrtizSr) August 9, 2025
Despite these claims, Ortiz is still said to be interested in facing Ennis at some stage in the near future. He is expected out around October-time, perhaps not long after ‘Boots’ first fight in the division against Uisma Lima.
