De La Hoya Opening Negotiations For Ortiz vs Ennis

Oscar De La Hoya has moved quickly to open negotiations for a fight between Vergil Ortiz Jr. (24-0, 22 KOs) and unified super welterweight champion Jaron Ennis (36-0, 32 KOs).

“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. And I am telling you, that is the fight we want 1,000%,” De La Hoya

Ennis became a unified champion at 154 pounds last month after stopping Xander Zayas in seven rounds to add the WBA and WBO titles. Zayas has chosen not to pursue a rematch.

Ennis had been targeting a full unification of the super welterweight division, with WBC champion Sebastian Fundora and IBF titleholder Josh Kelly viewed as the most logical opponents.

However, Fundora has a mandatory obligation that could limit his availability in the short term, while Kelly sustained significant injuries in his July 25 bout, leaving his return timeline uncertain.

With both unification routes complicated, Ortiz has emerged as Ennis’ most viable and commercially appealing next opponent.