Oscar De La Hoya shares sharp loyalty message as Vergil Ortiz Jr files lawsuit over stalled fight against Jaron “Boots” Ennis

Oscar De La Hoya is once again facing tension with one of his fighters. Months after his public fallout with Ryan Garcia, the Golden Boy Promotions boss finds himself in another high-profile dispute. This time, it involves unbeaten interim light middleweight champion Vergil Ortiz Jr. The issue centers on the failed negotiations for a much-anticipated fight against Jaron “Boots” Ennis. As talks collapsed, legal action soon followed.

Ortiz Jr has now filed a lawsuit against Golden Boy Promotions, accusing the company of breaching their contract. The situation escalated after De La Hoya sent a legal notice to Ortiz’s management for negotiating the fight independently. With deadlines missed, DAZN growing unhappy, and Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing unable to close the deal, the conflict has turned into a major promotional standoff.

Oscar De La Hoya stresses loyalty as Vergil Ortiz Jr dispute deepens

As the legal battle unfolds, Oscar De La Hoya took to social media to share his views on a fighter’s career and loyalty. Drawing from his own experience, he reminded fighters that careers are short and focus is vital. On his Instagram story, he wrote fighters must remain loyal and trust guidance from those who have already walked the same path. He added that he sees himself as someone who has lived that life and wants to protect fighters from costly mistakes.

De La Hoya later expanded on the emotional side of promotion. He explained that his biggest satisfaction comes from building strong bonds with fighters and feeling that trust is returned. Vergil Ortiz Jr has been with Golden Boy since turning professional in 2016 but now wants to exit the deal, claiming interference with his expected earnings from the Jaron “Boots” Ennis fight.

According to Ortiz’s legal team, uncertainty over Golden Boy’s agreement with DAZN gives him the right to seek separation. De La Hoya, however, insists his intentions were misunderstood. He said he was only pushing for better money for Ortiz. He explained that he demanded a 60-40 purse split in Ortiz’s favor, along with a small bonus for the winner, because he felt his fighter had earned it.

When Matchroom failed to meet the deadline, Ortiz’s manager reportedly stepped in to negotiate directly. That move triggered De La Hoya’s legal response. Golden Boy has since stated it will strongly contest the lawsuit, maintaining the contract is valid and claiming Ortiz and his team violated its terms.





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