Brian Norman Sr. doubts that the long-anticipated showdown between Jaron “Boots” Ennis and Vergil Ortiz Jr. can happen anytime soon, claiming Ennis’ $10 million purse demand is unrealistic without the financial backing of Saudi advisor Turki Alalshikh.
Speaking with MillCity Boxing, Norman Sr. said the matchup lacks the global appeal and commercial scale needed to justify such massive payouts. “Turki Alalshikh so far isn’t involved in this. He ain’t going to get $10 million,” Norman Sr. explained. “Not for that fight. He’s paid big for guys like Canelo, Ryan Garcia, and Devin Haney — but this one isn’t that big.”
According to Norman Sr., both fighters would need to accept lower guarantees or rely heavily on pay-per-view and gate revenue to make the fight financially viable. “If they’re asking for $10 million each, the event would have to do huge numbers,” he said. “Vergil doesn’t have that kind of following yet, and neither does Ennis.”
Ortiz is coming off a statement-making second-round knockout of Erickson Lubin on November 8 in Fort Worth, while Ennis stopped Uisma Lima in the first round last month to win the WBA interim 154lbs title. Despite momentum on both sides, Norman Sr. believes Ennis’ financial expectations could derail negotiations.
“I think the problem is the one who was screaming, ‘Let’s get this money,’” Norman Sr. said. “That’s the one asking for $10 million. It’s just not realistic. Without Turki, this fight doesn’t happen at that price.”
Golden Boy Promotions, representing Ortiz, has already claimed to have “the upper hand” in negotiations, with Oscar De La Hoya suggesting Ortiz has other options for early 2026.
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