Ennis-Ortiz Fight in Doubt After Unification Win, Hearn Says

Jaron Ennis may have already moved past a matchup with Vergil Ortiz Jr., according to promoter Eddie Hearn, who told reporters Friday that the newly unified welterweight champion is prioritizing belt consolidation over what was once the division's most anticipated showdown.

Ennis stopped Xander Zayas on June 27 to claim the WBA and WBO straps, vaulting him to The Ring's No. 1 ranking at junior middleweight and flipping the negotiating dynamic with Ortiz, who had been locked in a legal dispute with Golden Boy that stalled the fight for months. Hours after Ortiz reached a settlement with the promotional outfit, Hearn addressed the media and made clear the terms have changed.

Ennis Targets Kelly and Fundora for Unification

Hearn said Ennis has already labeled WBC titleholder Sebastian Fundora as his top target and views an IBF unification with Josh Kelly, who defends against Caoimhin Agyarko on July 25, as another priority. "Vergil doesn't have anything Boots wants other than a big fight and a big payday," Hearn said, per The Ring. "What does Boots want to do now? He wants to unify. He wants to win the other belts."

The Matchroom head acknowledged the Ortiz bout remains a possibility if the money justifies it, but emphasized Ennis was prepared to accept B-side terms before the Zayas win and now holds leverage. "Yesterday's price is not today's price, and that's not trying to be arrogant," Hearn added. "That's just the fact."

Ennis stands 36-0 with 32 knockouts, while Ortiz is 24-0 with 22 stoppages. A fight between the two unbeaten contenders had been discussed for the first half of 2025 before legal complications intervened. Hearn said the Kelly-Agyarko result on July 25 could clarify Ennis's next move.

Source: ringmagazine.com