Mirigian said he was never presented with a proper framework beyond one number, which he described as well below the level expected from a fight between two undefeated contenders in their 20s. He added that a counteroffer was made tardy last year but rejected without discussion.
Per Ortiz’s contract with Golden Boy Promotions, Mirigian said the fighter should be given three opponent options before the fight ends. According to Mirigian, Ennis was the only name proposed. No alternatives were used. The numbers never changed.
This context matters because Jaron Ennis is not a routine defense or reinforcement player. Ortiz holds the WBC interim 154-pound title and is positioned as one of the division’s future mainstays. Ennis arrives as a recent unified welterweight champion with a solid reputation and an advantage of his own. Treating combat as a take-it-or-leave-it proposition has always led here.
Golden Boy CEO Oscar De La Hoya said on Monday he was leaving after Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn failed to respond by informal deadline. Mirigian said deadlines mean nothing if the other party is not directly involved.
He also disputed claims that a 55–45 percent split was ever agreed in writing. Mirigian said his counteroffer was intentionally uncomplicated. Lasting guarantee for Ortiz. Let the other parties share the benefits as they see fit.
Other names have appeared publicly as replacements, only highlighting the problem. Sebastian Fundora is associated with the planned defense. Errol Spence Jnr has not fought since mid-2023. None of this explains why the hottest fight at 154 pounds is stuck in the early numbers.
The bigger business picture only adds to the tension. The future of Golden Boy’s broadcasts is unclear beyond the next few weeks. Several performances were planned with no clear long-term support. Against this backdrop, the risk of friction with Ortiz over a premium fight has left many observers confused.
Mirigian’s position remains unchanged. Ortiz wants this fight. His team is open to talks. The phone, he said, didn’t ring.
At this point, desire is not the obstacle. This is control.