Vergil Ortiz Jr. has filed a lawsuit against Golden Boy Promotions and its founder Oscar De La Hoya, accusing the company of breach of contract and interference with earnings tied to failed negotiations for a blockbuster bout with unified welterweight champion Jaron Ennis. The lawsuit was filed in Nevada and centers on Ortiz’s claim that Golden Boy violated key provisions of his promotional agreement.
At the heart of the dispute is Golden Boy’s streaming relationship with DAZN. Ortiz’s attorney, Gregory Smith, argues that the agreement expired on December 31, which under the contract would give Ortiz the right to terminate his promotional deal if no new exclusive distribution agreement was in place. Golden Boy counters that it remains in negotiations with DAZN and has exchanged draft extensions, which Smith dismisses as legally insufficient.
The lawsuit further alleges that Golden Boy failed to negotiate in good faith for the proposed Ortiz–Ennis fight. According to the filing, purse split discussions became a major sticking point, with Golden Boy proposing a 60-40 split in Ortiz’s favor, while Ennis’ camp said talks began at 50–50 with an added percentage for the winner. Smith claims Golden Boy’s handling of the process derailed the fight and directly cost Ortiz significant earning opportunities.
Smith also accuses Golden Boy of violating contractual obligations requiring transparency and multiple opponent options. The complaint states Ortiz was presented with a single take-it-or-leave-it offer for Ennis and threatened with being “benched” if he declined, while also alleging that Golden Boy failed to disclose a written agreement already reached with Ennis’ representatives and DAZN. The lawsuit argues that such actions breached provisions designed to protect Ortiz’s autonomy and financial interests.
Ortiz is seeking damages for lost purses and sponsorship opportunities, as well as punitive damages for what the filing describes as willful and malicious conduct. Golden Boy has publicly denied Ortiz’s right to terminate the agreement, while Ortiz’s management has confirmed they are now authorized to negotiate directly with Ennis’ promoter.
Image Credit: DAZN