“The fight is very close,” Garcia told BoxingScene. “Eric Gomez, Vergil Senior, Rick Mirigian, they all came to me and asked me what I think about the fight. I said, ‘Let’s do it.’ There is no need to wait for that fight, there’s no need to get a fight before that.”

Robert also dismissed suggestions that Ortiz needs another fight before facing Ennis, pointing to his recent activity and performance against Israil Madrimov.

“Vergil fought less than a year ago. There’s world champions right now that fight once a year or once every 18 months, and nobody says they’re out of timing because of the delay,” Robert said. “Vergil fought less than a year ago, and people seem to forget his performance against Madrimov.”

Garcia finished by making it clear that he believes the only remaining hurdle is Ennis’ side accepting the fight.

“The fight will happen. The only thing that could stop the fight is if Boots decides not to fight, but the fight on our side. It’s a done deal,” said Robert.

Ennis captured the WBA and WBO junior middleweight titles with a seventh-round stoppage of Xander Zayas on June 27. Ortiz last fought in November 2025, when he stopped Erickson Lubin in two rounds. If finalized, the bout would match Ennis’ unified titles against Ortiz’s WBC interim championship in one of the division’s biggest unification fights.

“I’m very happy that Adrien is locking in now and is going to take better care of himself,” Ryan said on X. “As far as my response to him saying he could beat me, anyone can think anything.”

“I personally don’t give him a chance, but he has every right to feel that way. I’m currently focused on defending my title and fighting the best in the world currently. On top of that, I get paid extremely well, and I’m not looking for any exhibitions or meaningless fights at this point. But I hope the best for him.”

Broner’s original comments came during an appearance on Ray J’s Reality Check, where he confidently predicted he would defeat Ryan after six months of preparation. At the same time, Broner admitted he would not choose Ryan as his first opponent if he returns to the ring, acknowledging that he would need a tune-up before taking on a champion.

Ryan’s response leaves little doubt about where his priorities lie. After capturing the WBC welterweight title earlier this year, he has repeatedly said his goal is to face the division’s top contenders rather than take part in celebrity-style events or comeback fights against aging former champions.

While Broner’s name still carries recognition from his championship run across four weight classes, the 36-year-old has fought only sporadically in recent years. Ryan, meanwhile, appears focused on keeping his title active against elite opposition, making a meeting between the two increasingly unlikely.

Ryan’s comments make it clear that a fight with Broner is not part of his plans. Even so, Broner’s outspoken personality has long made him one of boxing’s most effective promoters of his own fights, and a matchup with Ryan would attract plenty of attention from fans. But with Ryan holding a world title and targeting the division’s top names, he sees little reason to risk time on a fight he considers to have little sporting significance.

“Ink = Dry ✍️

Let’s get it, @ShakurStevenson.”

The announcement ends speculation about Stevenson’s future after months of discussion over whether he would become one of the centerpiece fighters in Dana White’s new boxing venture.

Shakur (25-0, 11 KOs), an Olympic silver medalist and current world champion at super lightweight, is regarded as one of the sport’s most technically gifted fighters. His addition gives Zuffa another established titleholder as the company prepares to launch its first major events.

The signing comes less than three weeks before Zuffa Boxing 09, scheduled for July 26 at Madison Square Garden in New York. The card is headlined by Richardson Hitchins defending his IBF junior welterweight title against Eduardo Salas, while Edgar Berlanga faces Butler in the co-feature. The event will stream live on Paramount+.

Financial terms of Shakur’s agreement were not disclosed. Fans responding to the announcement immediately speculated about the size of the deal and which opponents could eventually be matched against him under the Zuffa banner.

Shakur’s signing is another significant step in Zuffa Boxing’s effort to assemble a roster capable of competing with boxing’s established promoters. While his first fight under the new promotional banner has not yet been announced, his arrival immediately strengthens the company’s stable ahead of its July 26 showcase in New York.