Mirigian said he never got a proper frame beyond a single figure, which he described as far below the level expected for a fight between two undefeated contenders in their twenties. He added that a counteroffer was submitted late last year and rejected without discussion.
Under Ortiz’s deal with Golden Boy Promotions, Mirigian said the fighter is supposed to be given three opponent options before a fight is settled. According to Mirigian, Ennis was the only name put forward. No alternatives followed. The numbers never changed.
That context is important because Jaron Ennis is not a routine defense or a tune-up. Ortiz holds the WBC interim title at 154 pounds and is positioned as one of the division’s future anchors. Ennis arrives as a recent unified welterweight champion with a strong reputation and leverage of his own. Treating the fight as a take it or leave it proposition was always going to lead here.
On Monday, Golden Boy chairman Oscar De La Hoya said he was moving on after Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn did not respond by an informal deadline. Mirigian said deadlines mean nothing when the other side is not directly involved.
He also disputes claims that a 55 percent to 45 percent split was ever agreed in writing. Mirigian said his counteroffer was deliberately simple. A solid guarantee for Ortiz. Let the remaining parties divide the upside as they choose.
Other names have floated in public as replacements only underscore the issue. Sebastian Fundora is tied up with a planned defense. Errol Spence Jnr has not fought since mid-2023. None of this explains why the most competitive fight available at 154 pounds stalled at the opening number stage.
The broader business picture only adds tension. Golden Boy’s broadcast future is unclear after the next few weeks. Several shows are scheduled without clear long-term support. Against that backdrop, the risk of friction with Ortiz over a premium fight left many observers confused.
Mirigian’s position remains unchanged. Ortiz wants the fight. His team is open to discussions. The phone, he said, didn’t ring.
At this point, the obstacle is not willingness. It is control.
