“I haven’t heard from Vergil Ortiz. I don’t even know if he knows what’s going on,” De La Hoya said. “We will do what we have to do to protect our rights and take it from there.”
Earlier this year, Ortiz filed a lawsuit in Nevada seeking to terminate his long-standing promotional contract with Golden Boy. His argument focuses on the December 31, 2025 expiration of Golden Boy’s production contract with DAZN.
Ortiz’s lawsuit argues that the expiration of DAZN’s contract with Golden Boy changed the structure surrounding his promotional deal.
Golden Boy rejects this view, stating that its partnership with DAZN continues and its promotional agreement remains in force.
Things escalated quickly. Golden Boy obtained a short-lived restraining order from Judge Cristina D. Silva, preventing Ortiz from entering into contracts with third parties without the company’s involvement. The order specifically addressed the proposed April 18 fight against Jaron “Boots” Ennis, which Golden Boy said would cause “irreparable harm” if finalized outside of its control.
Golden Boy also countersued, demanding more than $10 million in damages from Ortiz’s manager, Rick Mirigian, alleging interference with the promotional contract. The legal stance marks a acute change in tone.
“I will not allow any more disrespect,” De La Hoya said. “Enough of this Golden Boy, Mr. Nice Guy. I will defend my rights. I’m not wrong. I’m telling the truth.”
De La Hoya added that he was surprised by the move, pointing to Ortiz’s public praise in December and a holiday message from Ortiz’s father thanking him for his support.
The dispute leaves 26-year-old Ortiz unable to move forward until the court issues a ruling. An April return against Ennis would be one of the most crucial fights of his career. Instead, the outcome depends on whether the court orders arbitration or allows the termination claim to proceed.
For Golden Boy, the question is uncomplicated: feasibility. If the contract is retained, the company will retain control over Ortiz’s next move. If this does not happen, in a period of rapid financial change in sports, the customary competitor will leave the customary promotional structure.
De La Hoya’s message Saturday night left little room for compromise. Until a judge rules otherwise, Golden Boy considers the contract binding.