Ortiz And Golden Boy Nearing Settlement Opening Door For World Title Fight

Vergil Ortiz Jr. (24-0, 22 KOs) and Golden Boy Promotions have reached a deal in principle to end their legal dispute, with the WBC interim junior middleweight titleholder set to remain with the promotion for three more fights — a development that could clear the path for a matchup against Jaron Ennis (36-0, 32 KOs).

“We have reached a deal in principle. We are awaiting signatures and then for Golden Boy to have a conversation with DAZN about Ortiz’s next fight and then go from there,” Rick Mirigian (Ortiz’s manager)

The settlement would close litigation that began when Ortiz filed suit against Golden Boy in January, alleging breach of contract and interference with earnings. Golden Boy responded with a $10 million lawsuit against Mirigian, accusing him of sharing confidential details of Ortiz’s contractual position with rival promoters. A court injunction obtained by Golden Boy in February had blocked Ortiz from dealing with third parties until the matter was resolved, effectively freezing his career.

The immediate consequence of a signed agreement would be the reopening of talks for Ortiz vs. Ennis, a fight that had been gaining momentum before the legal fallout intervened. A settlement would also see Golden Boy drop its $10 million action against Mirigian. Court-ordered arbitration had been scheduled for July 14 in Las Vegas before being pushed to late September due to a scheduling conflict.