Vergil Ortiz Jr. and Golden Boy Reach Settlement

Resolution of Legal Battle

Vergil Ortiz Jr., the WBC interim super welterweight champion, his manager Rick Mirigian, and Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Promotions announced a joint settlement on Friday. The agreement ends the ongoing litigation and reaffirms the parties’ commitment to delivering major bouts to boxing fans worldwide. This amicable resolution allows all involved to continue their working relationship without further legal hurdles.

After Golden Boy’s exclusive deal with DAZN expired at the close of 2025, Ortiz filed a Nevada lawsuit in January seeking confirmation of his free‑agent status. He accused Golden Boy of breaching contract and interfering with prospective economic advantage. Golden Boy contested Ortiz’s claim to be free from the contract, while Ortiz pursued negotiations for a fight with Jaron “Boots” Ennis without the promoter’s involvement.

Golden Boy secured a temporary restraining order against Ortiz in February and later sued Mirigian for interference with its promotional contract. Judge Cristina D. Silva then granted Golden Boy’s motion for interim injunctive relief and ordered arbitration. Those court actions forced the highly anticipated Ortiz‑Ennis negotiations to a standstill until the new arrangement was reached.

Impact on the Ennis Fight

With Golden Boy finalizing a fresh long‑term agreement with DAZN and the settlement in place, the path for Ortiz to face Ennis is now open again. The stoppage of talks had been a major blow to fans hoping to see a clash of two rising super welterweight prospects. The resolution removes the legal obstacles that were stalling the bout.

Ortiz, who last competed in November, posted a decisive second‑round TKO victory over Erickson Lubin to retain his interim title. Re‑igniting the Ennis fight could position him for a potential title shot against the division’s top contenders. The settlement also clears the way for Golden Boy to promote other high‑profile matches on the DAZN platform.

Background Timeline

The dispute began when Golden Boy’s distribution partnership with DAZN ended, prompting Ortiz to seek free‑agent status. Legal filings were made in early January, followed by Golden Boy’s denial and counter‑moves. A restraining order and arbitration request in February halted negotiations, but recent contractual renewals have reset the landscape.

Judge Silva’s interim injunction forced the parties into arbitration, further delaying any fight plans. The recent settlement effectively rewrites the narrative, turning a courtroom battle into a collaborative effort for future showcases. This timeline mirrors other high‑profile boxer‑promoter conflicts that have shaped recent boxing dynamics.

Quotes from the Parties

Oscar De La Hoya stated, “Our relationship with Vergil has spanned more than a decade, and we are proud to have played a role in his development into one of the sport’s premier fighters. We look forward to continuing our partnership and working together with Vergil Jr., Rick Mirigian, and the rest of Team Ortiz to deliver the biggest fights possible for boxing fans.”

Ortiz added, “I’m very grateful that Golden Boy and I were able to come to an understanding and resolve everything. I’m excited to move forward and make the biggest fights happen, including the Ennis fight. My only focus is on delivering unforgettable fights for the fans, and I know my team and I will accomplish that together.”

The settlement marks a fresh start for a promising champion and a promoter eager to fill upcoming card slots with headline‑grabbing matchups. Fans can now look forward to the potential rematch or new opponents on the horizon, all under a renewed collaborative spirit.