Vergil Ortiz Jr. missed out on a massive payday north of 16 million dollars after a clash with Jaron Ennis got shut down, according to his father. That turns the scheduled meeting with Keith Thurman into an expensive consolation prize instead of the marquee event everyone wanted.

Ortiz Sr. claimed Ennis sat right at the top of the list in his son’s settlement agreement, while Thurman occupied the very bottom. That perspective reshapes how people view Vergil’s matchmaking, raising questions about whether promotional politics killed the premier matchup.

“I don’t know how much I can say legal-wise… but Vergil was offered a lot of money, a lot more money, and it could even be north of that,” Ortiz Sr. said in an interview with Stephen Gorder at K.O Artist Sports, responding to a question about a $16 million Ennis offer.

Ortiz Sr. pointed directly to a deliberate choice to shut the bout down, though he never named the specific person responsible. He guessed that financial motives got in the way because outside parties stood to miss out on the revenue.

The distinction is crucial. Ortiz Sr. insists the bout got blocked, yet his reasoning remains purely speculative. He also emphasized that he never handles Vergil’s actual contract negotiations.

Ortiz Sr. outlined the settlement ranking as Ennis first, followed by Sebastian Fundora, Tim Tszyu, Erislandy Lara, with Thurman bringing up the rear. Nobody produced the actual document during the interview to verify the claims.

If that order holds true, Thurman was simply the final name left on the board once preferred options fell through. It clarifies how the matchup came together, even if it does little to satisfy fans eager to see Ennis in the opposite corner.

Walking away from that level of cash puts real weight behind the father’s frustration. Vergil missed the chance at a massive purse against an elite rival. Now he steps into the middleweight division against a veteran who offers very little upside, even in victory.

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Netflix releases TYSON FURY on November 27, tracing the heavyweight’s rise through boxing and examining his personal struggles before he faces Anthony Joshua on December 11.

Lucy Wilcox directs the feature-length documentary. Fury, his wife Paris and father John give interviews alongside previously unseen footage from his life and career.

Tyson Fury’s Career and Family Life

The film follows Fury from childhood into the heavyweight ranks, revisiting the victories and setbacks that shaped his career. His family contributes its accounts of the experiences behind those performances.

Mental health, addiction and the loss of a child are among the subjects covered. The documentary also examines Fury’s views on masculinity, his family relationships and the support he has relied on throughout his career.

Paris and John bring their perspectives to a film that explores the personal pressures accompanying Fury’s success in the ring.

Fury vs Joshua: December 11 Date and Netflix Broadcast

Fury and Joshua step into opposite corners on Friday, December 11, 2026, at Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales. Netflix will broadcast their first professional meeting globally to all members at no additional cost.

The remaining bouts have yet to be announced.

At their September 30 press conference, Fury spoke about the years spent waiting to get Joshua into the ring.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge. It’s been 10 years in the making,” Fury said.

“The rise has been phenomenal from both fighters. We’ve both had our ups and downs. Finally, we arrive at this moment.”

Fury also praised his British rival: “He’s been a role model and a poster boy for British boxing for years.”

Joshua welcomed the occasion and said their exchanges would drive him through extra rounds in the gym.

“I feel fresh. I feel very excited about this opportunity to work again,” Joshua said.

MVP chief Nakisa Bidarian addresses questions over Paul’s boxing future following the Anthony Joshua injury, with a Christmas Eve comeback confirmed.

Jake Paul will fight again after the broken jaw he suffered against Anthony Joshua raised doubts about his boxing future. MVP has confirmed a December 24, 2026, comeback in Dubaiand promoter Nakisa Bidarian says Paul’s decision answers those who questioned his desire to return.

The opponent remains unconfirmed.

Bidarian put the injury and its aftermath at the centre of his comments about Paul’s first fight back.

“Twelve months ago he suffered a double broken jaw against a two-time heavyweight world champion and since then many have doubted his desire or need to return to boxing,” the MVP co-founder and CEO said.

“Well he is back, and that tells you everything about the competitor Jake Paul is and how much he loves this sport.”

Paul Answers With a Christmas Eve Comeback

Paul heads into his return with a 12-2 record and seven knockouts. His December 2025 meeting with Joshua preceded the year-long absence that will end when he headlines MVP’s card in the United Arab Emirates.

He has committed to another fight.

“I’m hungrier than ever, and on Thursday, December 24, I’m returning to the ring in Dubai to start the next chapter of my journey,” Paul said.

The comeback will also take Paul into a new location for his professional career. He has never contested a professional bout in Dubai, which will host the event through MVP’s cooperation agreement with the Dubai Sports Council and Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism.

MVP has not yet named the opponent, venue or broadcaster. The promotion plans to release further details over the coming weeks, with no weight division or scheduled distance specified in the October 29 announcement.

Paul began his professional career in 2020. His headline appearances have since included Mike Tyson in November 2024 and Joshua the following December, with the latter leaving him facing a lengthy spell outside the ring.

Bidarian described the decision to resume fighting as evidence of Paul’s commitment to boxing. Paul, meanwhile, closed his comeback statement with a prediction for whoever signs to face him.

“Merry Christmas, Dubai. Santa Paul is coming to town, and somebody’s getting knocked out.”