WBC interim junior middleweight champion Vergil Ortiz Jr’s father Vergil Sr denies turning down an offer to fight Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis. Vergil Sr. says no offer sent.
Boots Ennis’ father, trainer Derek ‘Bozy’ Ennis, tells Boxing News that Vergil Ortiz Jr. (22-0, 21 KOs) “Already asked about it and they said they turned it down.”
Vergil Sr says it is NOT the case. Vergil Sr. appear to be interested in the Boots Ennis fight, and it’s understandable why. His son, Ortiz Jr., would face his biggest name, and there would be plenty of attention on the clash from fans watching DAZN PPV.
“I have already spoken to His Excellency (Turki Alalshikh) and we will fight Vergil Ortiz 100%,” said Eddie Hearn, who promotes Boots Ennis.
Golden Boy promoter Oscar De La Hoya said this week Thursday X that he “Vergil Ortz vs. Boots” wants as part of the 5 vs 5 competition with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing.
There will be excellent money for Vergil and Boots (32-0, 29 KOs) in a fight at 154. It will take courage on Ennis’ part, as Vergil Ortiz Jr. is one of the best fighters in junior middleweight, and there is an excellent chance that he will defeat Boots.
Vergil Ortiz Jr. recently defeated WBC interim 154-lb champion Serhii Bohachuk by a 12-round majority decision on August 10 in Las Vegas. It was a fight of the year type contest, with both fighters throwing thunderous bombs. Vergi Jr’s face was scarred, and he finally found someone who would stand up to his power without wilting. The scores were 114-112, 114-112 for Ortiz Jr., and 113-113.
This Saturday, November 9, Boots defends his IBF welterweight title against Karen Chukhadzhian (24-2, 13 KOs) in a 12-round rematch at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. Ennis already beat Chukhadzhian a year ago, winning a wide 12-round unanimous decision on January 7, 2023 at the Capital One Arena in Washington, DC
It was a one-sided fight, with Boots winning against a defensive-minded Chukhadzhian by scores of 120-108 on all three judges’ scorecards. These are the kinds of fights Ennis will be stuck with if he chooses to stay at welterweight rather than move up to 154 to face talented fighters like WBC interim champion Vergil Jr, IBF champion Bakhram Murtazaliev, WBC and WBO champion Sebastian Fundora and to challenge for WBA belt. -holder Terence Crawford.
Ennis, 27, has repeatedly told fans that he wants to stay at welterweight to collect all four belts to go undisputed. That doesn’t look like it’s going to happen, as the champions want a goldmine to battle Boots. If the money is big enough, Ennis may change his mind about Vergil Jr. at 154 as it would be a great opportunity to increase his fame overnight if he wins.
Bozy, when did this happen??? Can you please post the offer/email/contract of when it was sent??? Please include the person’s name and actual email address. That way I/we can confront the person. I don’t appreciate this person making decisions for Vergil. IF this is true. https://t.co/FlCMPNMEEH
— Vergil Ortiz (@VergilOrtizSr) November 8, 2024
