Eddie Hearn has admitted that negotiations for a long-anticipated showdown between Jaron Ennis and Vergil Ortiz Jr. have lost momentum, warning that Matchroom may soon be forced to look elsewhere.
Speaking in New York, Hearn said there are currently no meaningful updates, despite repeated assurances that talks are “progressing.” With Ennis expected to return around late March, Matchroom is reluctant to delay plans much further. “Sooner or later, we’re going to have to make another move,” Hearn said, stressing that neither fighter holds a championship advantage that dictates terms.
Ortiz last fought in November, stopping Erickson Lubin in two rounds. Ennis made his 154-pound debut in October with a first-round knockout of Uisma Lima. Ortiz is currently The Ring’s No. 1 junior middleweight, while Ennis is ranked No. 6.
Hearn emphasized that Ennis-Ortiz remains the best fight in American boxing, adding that it would be “a very sad day” if it fails to materialize. However, contingency plans are already in place. Should Josh Kelly defeat IBF champion Bakhram Murtazaliev on January 31 in Newcastle, Matchroom has an agreement ready for Kelly to face Ennis next.
Image Credit: The Ring