Jaron Ennis has been handed a surprise alternative at 154lbs as negotiations for a clash with Vergil Ortiz Jr appear to be faltering.
According to reports from Uncrowned, a Nevada judge granted Golden Boy Promotions’ emergency motion for a temporary restraining order against Ortiz, preventing him from entering into third-party contracts. The 27-year-old had exercised his right to terminate his promotional agreement last month, yet amid Golden Boy’s ongoing negotiations with DAZN, he is still expected to honour the terms of his existing contract. The situation has left the proposed Ennis-Ortiz bout hanging in the balance.
With uncertainty surrounding that matchup, former undisputed super-welterweight champion Jermell Charlo has stepped forward to offer himself as an opponent. Charlo, who has not fought since losing a wide unanimous decision to Canelo Alvarez in September 2023, sent a direct message to Ennis’ promoter Eddie Hearn during an interview with Cigar Talk.
“Hello, Eddie. Please answer my DMs if you see this message: I want you to set up something between me and your best fighter, ‘Boots’. Business-wise, we’ve got to make it happen. I’m not a friend to none of these motherf&^%ers,” Charlo said.
Ennis, 28, has fought once at 154lbs, stopping Uisma Lima in the first round in October, after unifying the IBF and WBA welterweight titles against Eimantas Stanionis earlier last year.
Image Credit: PBC