The filing undermines Golden Boy’s efforts to prevent Ortiz from entering into outside promotional deals and seeks to remove a restriction preventing him from concluding a fight with Ennis.
Ortiz, undefeated in 24 fights with 22 knockouts, filed a 22-page objection in U.S. District Court in Nevada, arguing that Golden Boy’s attempt to stop him from fighting Ennis would not cause the company reasonable harm. His legal team said Ortiz has the right to seek opportunities with other promoters after what they consider to be the termination of his promotional contract.
“GBP now asks the court for a short-lived restraining order to prevent VO from agreeing to participate in a highly anticipated boxing match against Jaron “Boots” Ennis, which will be promoted by a third-party promoter,” Ortiz’s attorney, Greg Smith, said in the lawsuit. “GBP’s injury – if any at all – was caused solely by GBP itself.”
The dispute centers on Ortiz’s efforts to continue his high-profile April 18 fight with Ennis, widely considered one of the most significant fights in the welterweight division. Ortiz’s team argued that the contract allowed him to end the relationship after the contract to broadcast Golden Boy from DAZN expired tardy last year.
Ortiz’s legal actions followed significant financial offers from rival promoters. Matchroom Boxing has presented a three-fight contract guaranteeing at least $12 million, with projected profits approaching $20 million. Another promoter offered a separate deal worth a guaranteed $16 million plus additional revenue tied to ticket sales and pay-per-view performances.
Golden Boy obtained a restraining order after learning that Ortiz was trying to finalize the fight with Ennis without his involvement. The order currently prevents Ortiz from continuing the contract while the dispute continues.
Ortiz’s team is asking the court to lift the restriction and allow him to continue his career on his own. A hearing is scheduled this week in which a judge will decide whether Ortiz can continue fighting Ennis and pursue agreements beyond Golden Boy.
The result will determine whether Ortiz gets to fight one of the biggest fights available to him or whether he remains tied to Golden Boy until the legal battle is resolved.