Ennis won’t linger while Ortiz Jr. contract does not weigh

That stance reflects where Ennis is in his career. At 28, he has already waited a long time for fights to materialize. Another delay will do nothing for his position at junior middleweight, especially when titles and opportunities are available elsewhere. His camp suggests patience, but only up to a point.

Ortiz holds the WBC interim title, but his own future is uncertain. He is seeking to separate himself from Golden Boy Promotions, and that uncertainty has delayed negotiations. Even if both fighters want the fight, the business side still needs to line up. At the moment it does not.

Ennis’ team has not publicly named a backup opponent if the Ortiz fight falls through. Still, the alternatives are obvious. A shot at IBF champion Bakhram Murtazaliev would put Ennis straight into a title fight. A meeting with WBC champion Sebastian Fundora would bring size and visibility. A match against WBO title holder Xander Zayas would suit him with a younger fighter who is being moved quickly. Either of those routes keeps Ennis active and relevant in the division.

Promoter Eddie Hearn proposed the fight is still alive, even if it is not moving quickly. “I hope the fight can still be made, but we’ll see,” Hearn said. “It’s not dead.”

For now, the decision rests with Ortiz and his side. Ennis did what he had to do. If the signing doesn’t come soon, the division will move on without him, and it will feel like a missed opportunity rather than a calculated delay.