Vergil Ortiz Jr. Files Lawsuit Seeking Exit From Golden Boy

Vergil Ortiz Jr. is suing Golden Boy Promotions because he believes staying put blocks the only fight that changes his career. According to reporting by Keith Idec of The Ring, Ortiz has filed suit in U.S. District Court in Nevada seeking to terminate his promotional agreement with Golden Boy. The case cites declaratory relief, breach of contract, and interference with prospective economic advantage. Ortiz has been with Golden Boy since 2016, and the company exercised a three-year extension in May 2024.

Ortiz’s legal team argues that the contract became void when Golden Boy’s exclusive DAZN distribution agreement expired on December 31. Golden Boy acknowledges the DAZN deal ended but maintains it is negotiating a replacement for 2026 and 2027 and therefore still controls Ortiz’s promotional rights.

Why the Ennis Fight Is the Real Issue

This lawsuit is about Jaron Ennis.

Ortiz wants the junior middleweight fight that defines the division. Ennis is promoted by Matchroom Boxing. Both hold interim belts at 154 pounds. The lawsuit states that Ortiz’s team was told directly that no other opponent would be accepted next.

According to the filing, Ortiz believes strained relationships between Golden Boy and rival promoters have stalled negotiations. The suit also references public conflicts involving Oscar De La Hoya that Ortiz’s team argues have limited viable pathways to finalize the bout.

What Ortiz Is Actually Accusing Golden Boy Of

Ortiz claims Golden Boy failed to fully share written financial terms tied to Ennis negotiations. The suit argues that withholding that information violated contractual disclosure obligations and prevented Ortiz from evaluating whether the deal served his interests.

Golden Boy disputes that position. The company insists negotiations with DAZN were active and that the promotional agreement remains enforceable.

The conflict is also personal. The lawsuit outlines a breakdown between De La Hoya and Ortiz’s manager, Rich Mirigian. De La Hoya has publicly insisted that promoters negotiate fights, not managers, and accused Mirigian of undermining talks by airing disputes instead of keeping them internal.

What This Really Says About Ortiz

Ortiz is not running from Golden Boy. He is testing how much control a fighter with momentum can exert before signing another year away.

He is 27, undefeated, holding an interim belt, and viewed as one half of the most marketable fight at 154 pounds. Fighters in weaker positions do not file lawsuits like this. They wait.

Whether Ortiz wins the case is secondary. The real outcome will be determined by whether Golden Boy can deliver Ennis without court pressure. If they cannot, Ortiz’s position only hardens.