Vergil Ortiz Jr. and Golden Boy Promotions
Reach Amicable Settlement, Clearing Path For Major Fights!
(July 17th) One of boxing's most closely watched promotional disputes has officially come to an end as undefeated WBC Interim Super Welterweight Champion Vergil Ortiz Jr., Golden Boy Promotions and Ortiz's manager, Rick Mirigian, jointly announced they had reached an amicable settlement, resolving all pending legal disputes and agreeing to continue their long-standing business relationship. The agreement ends months of litigation that had threatened to sideline one of boxing's premier undefeated stars and cast uncertainty over his future in the sport.
The settlement brings closure to a legal battle that began in January when Ortiz filed suit in Nevada federal court, alleging breach of contract and interference with prospective economic advantage. Ortiz's legal team argued that the expiration of Golden Boy Promotions' exclusive distribution agreement with DAZN at the end of 2025 entitled the unbeaten Texan to terminate his promotional contract and pursue opportunities elsewhere. Golden Boy strongly disputed those claims, maintaining that Ortiz remained under a valid promotional agreement and successfully obtained court orders preventing him from negotiating with rival promoters while the matter proceeded toward arbitration.
Golden Boy also filed a separate lawsuit against Ortiz's manager, Rick Mirigian, alleging tortious interference with contractual relations. An arbitration hearing had been scheduled for mid-July before being postponed as negotiations intensified. Rather than continue a costly and lengthy legal fight, all parties ultimately reached a confidential settlement that resolves every outstanding claim and eliminates the need for arbitration. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
In a joint announcement, the parties emphasized their shared commitment to moving forward. Ortiz expressed gratitude that everyone was able to "come to an understanding and resolve everything," while Golden Boy President and CEO Oscar De La Hoya reaffirmed the company's commitment to promoting one of boxing's brightest young stars. The agreement allows Ortiz to remain with the promotional company that has guided his professional career since he debuted in July 2016.
The resolution immediately reopens the possibility of one of boxing's most anticipated matchups—a showdown between Ortiz and unified junior middleweight champion Jaron "Boots" Ennis. Negotiations for the fight had stalled amid the legal dispute, but with the promotional issues now resolved, both camps can once again focus on making the blockbuster bout a reality. Following Ennis' recent victory over Xander Zayas to capture the WBA and WBO super welterweight titles, a clash with Ortiz would rank among the biggest fights that can be made in the 154-pound division.
Ortiz enters the next chapter of his career with a perfect professional record of 24-0 with 22 knockouts, an exceptional 91.7 percent knockout ratio that has established him as one of boxing's most dangerous finishers. The 28-year-old Grand Prairie, Texas resident turned professional in 2016 and has defeated a string of top contenders while capturing the WBC Interim Super Welterweight title. His most recent appearance came in November 2025, when he stopped former world title challenger Erickson Lubin in two rounds to retain his interim championship.
With the courtroom battle finally behind him, Ortiz can once again concentrate solely on his career inside the ring. The settlement restores stability to one of boxing's elite undefeated fighters, reunites him with Golden Boy Promotions, and removes the biggest obstacle preventing negotiations for the marquee fights that fans have long awaited. As boxing's junior middleweight division continues to heat up, Vergil Ortiz Jr. now appears positioned to pursue the defining championship opportunities that could elevate him from undefeated contender to undisputed superstar.
Golden Boy Promotions was established in 2002 by current Chairman and CEO Oscar De La Hoya, an International Hall of Famer and a 10-time World Champion in six divisions. Golden Boy is the first Latino-owned boxing promotions company with a world-renowned reputation in organizing the largest and highest grossing events in the history of the sport.
With more than two-decades as an industry leader and a lengthy roster of past, current and future world champions, Golden Boy will continue to leave an indelible mark in sports history.
Los Angeles-based Golden Boy Promotions was established in 2002 by 10-time world champion in six divisions Oscar De La Hoya, the first Hispanic to own a national boxing promotional company.
Golden Boy Promotions is one of boxing’s most active and respected promoters, presenting shows in packed venues around the world.