Ortiz has been promoted by Golden Boy since turning professional in 2016. The company exercised a three-year extension on its agreement in May 2024. Ortiz’s legal team now argues that the deal became void when Golden Boy’s exclusive distribution deal with DAZN ended on December 31.
Golden Boy disputes that interpretation, saying it is negotiating a new DAZN deal for 2026 and 2027 and therefore retains promotional rights. Ortiz’s attorney, Gregory M. Smith, counters that an agreement to negotiate does not preserve exclusivity under the contract’s terms.
Smith’s filing, a 32-page document obtained by The Ringcontends that Ortiz’s earning potential was materially harmed by Golden Boy’s failure to work in good faith with other promoters, a requirement written into the promotional rights agreement. The lawsuit alleges that Ortiz was pressured to accept a single proposed deal for Ennis or to accept a bench, despite language requiring multiple counter-options.
The complaint also alleges that Golden Boy negotiated fight terms with Ennis’ promoter, Matchroom Boxing, and DAZN without Ortiz’s knowledge, and failed to disclose written agreements related to the fight, another alleged breach of contract.
The filing places particular emphasis on the behavior of Oscar De La Hoya, and describes strained relations with rival promoters and Saudi boxing financier Turki Alalshikh as factors that damaged Ortiz’s ability to secure a Saudi-backed event. Smith cites De La Hoya’s public attacks on Alalshikh and Zuffa Boxing as actions that undermine Ortiz’s earning opportunities at a critical moment.
According to the lawsuit, DAZN executives told Ortiz’s team that Ennis was the only acceptable next opponent. Both fighters currently hold interim titles at 154 pounds, and the fight is widely considered to be one of the most commercially viable bouts available for 2026.
Smith previously represented Canelo Alvarez in his successful bid to exit contracts with Golden Boy and DAZN in 2020.
Golden Boy has not publicly responded to the content of the lawsuit. Ortiz’s filing leaves little ambiguity. He no longer believes the fight he wants can happen while he stays put.
