Ortiz Jr. Files A Lawsuit Against Golden Boy

Vergil Ortiz Jr. has filed a federal lawsuit to terminate his promotional contract with Golden Boy Promotions

The legal challenge centers on a technicality regarding broadcasting rights. Ortiz’s attorney, Gregory M. Smith—the same lawyer who successfully freed Canelo Alvarez from Golden Boy in 2020—argues that the contract became void on December 31, 2025. He claims that since Golden Boy’s exclusive distribution deal with DAZN has expired, the promoter can no longer fulfill its contractual obligation to provide Ortiz with a major television platform.

Golden Boy, however, insists that they are currently in the middle of renewing their DAZN partnership for 2026 and that Ortiz remains under their control through 2027. The filing specifically names a potential fight with Jaron Ennis as a major point of contention. Ortiz’s team believes that Oscar De La Hoya’s public feuds with other promoters, specifically Matchroom’s Eddie Hearn, have become an “impenetrable wall” preventing the fight from happening. By alleging a breach of contract, Ortiz hopes to become a free agent in time to negotiate a bout with Ennis. Ortiz has been with Golden Boy since 2016 and recently signed a three-year extension in 2024. De La Hoya has since said he is confident Golden Boy will beat the lawsuit.

“We are aware of the lawsuit. Unfortunately, Vergil is getting bad advice from his lawyer and manager, who have repeatedly violated the contract. We will aggressively defend this lawsuit and enforce our rights. We are confident a judge will agree that our contract is valid and Vergil and his team are in breach,” De La Hoya said