Vergil Ortiz Jr Sues Golden Boy Over Disputed Contract and Stalled Jaron Ennis Fight
Vergil Ortiz Jr has taken Oscar De La Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions to court in a federal lawsuit, alleging the promoter breached their contract and interfered with his earning potential. The 27-year-old World Boxing Council interim junior middleweight champion claims he exercised his right to terminate their three-year promotional agreement on January 8, but Golden Boy maintains that Ortiz remains under contract due to ongoing negotiations for a renewal.
The dispute centers around Ortiz's long-held desire to fight Jaron 'Boots' Ennis, with the bout widely regarded as a potential step towards unification at 154 pounds. However, talks between Golden Boy and Ennis's promoter Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing stalled, prompting Ortiz to formally end his relationship with the company.
Ortiz's lawsuit alleges that Golden Boy failed to act in good faith during negotiations, particularly given De La Hoya's strained relationships with rival promoters and Saudi Arabia's involvement in financing major events. The complaint also claims that Golden Boy breached a contractual requirement to present Ortiz with at least three opponent options for each bout, instead offering a single Ennis proposal.
Furthermore, Ortiz alleges that Golden Boy continued to publicly assert control over his career after he terminated the agreement, setting negotiation terms and deadlines without authorization. These actions, according to Ortiz, caused confusion within the industry and interfered with his ability to negotiate independently with other promoters.
Golden Boy has disputed Ortiz's claims, stating that they intend to fight the lawsuit and will aggressively defend their rights. The company maintains that Ortiz is getting "bad advice" from his lawyer and manager, who have repeatedly violated the contract.
Ortiz is seeking unspecified compensatory and punitive damages, alleging that Golden Boy's conduct cost him millions in fight purses, sponsorships, and related earnings. This lawsuit adds Ortiz to a growing list of elite fighters who have taken Golden Boy to court over contractual disputes, including Canelo รlvarez.
As Ortiz seeks clarity on his contractual status, the fight between him and Ennis remains a pressing issue in the boxing world. With both fighters holding interim championships at 154 pounds, the bout has the potential to shape the future of the sport.
Vergil Ortiz Jr has taken Oscar De La Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions to court in a federal lawsuit, alleging the promoter breached their contract and interfered with his earning potential. The 27-year-old World Boxing Council interim junior middleweight champion claims he exercised his right to terminate their three-year promotional agreement on January 8, but Golden Boy maintains that Ortiz remains under contract due to ongoing negotiations for a renewal.
The dispute centers around Ortiz's long-held desire to fight Jaron 'Boots' Ennis, with the bout widely regarded as a potential step towards unification at 154 pounds. However, talks between Golden Boy and Ennis's promoter Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing stalled, prompting Ortiz to formally end his relationship with the company.
Ortiz's lawsuit alleges that Golden Boy failed to act in good faith during negotiations, particularly given De La Hoya's strained relationships with rival promoters and Saudi Arabia's involvement in financing major events. The complaint also claims that Golden Boy breached a contractual requirement to present Ortiz with at least three opponent options for each bout, instead offering a single Ennis proposal.
Furthermore, Ortiz alleges that Golden Boy continued to publicly assert control over his career after he terminated the agreement, setting negotiation terms and deadlines without authorization. These actions, according to Ortiz, caused confusion within the industry and interfered with his ability to negotiate independently with other promoters.
Golden Boy has disputed Ortiz's claims, stating that they intend to fight the lawsuit and will aggressively defend their rights. The company maintains that Ortiz is getting "bad advice" from his lawyer and manager, who have repeatedly violated the contract.
Ortiz is seeking unspecified compensatory and punitive damages, alleging that Golden Boy's conduct cost him millions in fight purses, sponsorships, and related earnings. This lawsuit adds Ortiz to a growing list of elite fighters who have taken Golden Boy to court over contractual disputes, including Canelo รlvarez.
As Ortiz seeks clarity on his contractual status, the fight between him and Ennis remains a pressing issue in the boxing world. With both fighters holding interim championships at 154 pounds, the bout has the potential to shape the future of the sport.